Top News

Manchester City appear to be approaching the end of an era, with yet another potential departure looming large at the Etihad Stadium.

The defending champions are braced for another significant exit once the season concludes. Over the past decade, the Sky Blues have claimed every major honour possible, securing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, and a Champions League crown. Now, with captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones confirming their forthcoming departures from Eastlands, the club’s long-serving core is beginning to move on.

Following a period of squad rebuilding, more key players could follow suit as City, on course for yet another title challenge, prepare for a busy transfer window this summer.

After lifting the League Cup in March, Pep Guardiola’s side remain in contention for a third Treble under the Spaniard, with the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium still to come and the Premier League title race potentially swinging their way if Arsenal drop points in their remaining fixtures.

Alongside Silva and Stones, midfielder Rodri has also been linked with an exit, while James Trafford and Omar Marmoush could seek guaranteed first-team opportunities elsewhere. Tijjani Reijnders, who joined from AC Milan last summer, has also struggled to settle into life in Manchester and might be among those to depart.

Nathan Ake is another name reportedly preparing to move on, with Guardiola understood to be open to the Dutch defender leaving with his full support.

Ake had earlier admitted in an interview with Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad that his future at City was uncertain, hinting that this season might mark the end of his time at the club. He described the recent League Cup win at Wembley as “a nice ending” to his six-year spell in the northwest.

According to a new report from Netherlands-based publication Voetbal International, the 31-year-old is on the verge of a move to Serie A, with Juventus and Roma both interested, after AC Milan failed to secure his signature during the January transfer window.

Ake joined Manchester City from Bournemouth following their relegation during the COVID-19 lockdown and proved to be an astute signing. He was instrumental during the 2022/23 Treble-winning season, impressing at left-back and providing reliable cover in central defence.

However, with Nico O'Reilly and Rayan Ait-Nouri now established in left-sided roles and Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol offering options in central defence, Ake has gradually found himself on the fringes of the squad.

Over the last two seasons, the Dutch international has made only 25 league appearances, a decline from the 26 and 29 games he managed in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, as injuries and age begin to take their toll.

According to FourFourTwo, several Dutch clubs have also shown interest in re-signing him, but Ake reportedly prefers to continue his career outside the Netherlands for now.

Valued at €15 million by Transfermarkt, Ake could soon bring his Premier League journey to a close. Manchester City will next host Brentford as domestic football resumes this weekend.