Nathan Aké leaves Manchester City after six years to join Fenerbahçe

Nathan Aké has left Manchester City after six years to continue his career with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.

The 31-year-old defender departs the Etihad Stadium following an enormously successful period in which he won four Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Aké will now move to Istanbul, where he will link up with fellow Dutchman Dirk Kuyt. The former Liverpool forward recently joined Fenerbahçe as assistant coach to Ismail Kartal.

The Netherlands international had seen his role reduced under Pep Guardiola last season, increasing expectations that he could leave Manchester City this summer.

That departure has now arrived, with Aké choosing to continue his career in Turkey.

The central defender joined City from Bournemouth in 2020 for around €45 million. He initially had to fight for regular opportunities but developed into a reliable and versatile member of Guardiola's squad.

Aké was capable of playing both at centre-back and on the left side of the defence, making him a valuable option during one of the most successful periods in Manchester City's history.

However, intense competition for places increasingly affected his role towards the end of his time at the club.

Few players could leave Manchester City with a more impressive collection of honours.

During his six years at the Etihad Stadium, Aké won the Premier League four times and was part of the squad that lifted the Champions League.

He also won the UEFA Super Cup, the Club World Cup, two FA Cups and the Community Shield.

His departure therefore brings an end to a hugely successful chapter of his career.

Although Aké was not always an automatic starter, his reliability allowed Guardiola to use him in several different defensive roles during major matches.

He now leaves Manchester with his place secured in one of the most successful squads in English football history.

The move to Fenerbahçe gives Aké the opportunity to play a more prominent role after falling down the pecking order at City.

He will also find a familiar face waiting for him in Istanbul.

Kuyt has recently become assistant coach to Kartal and will now work with his compatriot at the Turkish club.

For Fenerbahçe, the arrival of a defender with Aké's Premier League and Champions League experience represents a major addition.

The 31-year-old brings experience at the highest level and the versatility to operate in more than one position across the defence.

Aké's transfer comes shortly after the Netherlands were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Morocco.

The defender had also found regular minutes difficult to secure for his country.

Ronald Koeman often preferred other defensive options, including Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Aké started against Morocco and Tunisia during the tournament. However, he played only nine minutes in total across the matches against Japan and Sweden.

The Netherlands' elimination now allows him to turn his attention towards the next stage of his club career.

Aké will now prepare to join Fenerbahçe after bringing his six-year stay at Manchester City to an end.

His departure removes another experienced player from Guardiola's squad, while the Turkish club gain a defender with an exceptional trophy-winning record.

After winning almost everything available in England and Europe, Aké now begins a new challenge in Istanbul alongside fellow Dutchman Kuyt.

Is Nathan Aké's move to Fenerbahçe the right next step after six successful years at Manchester City?