Nathan Ake has completed a move from Manchester City to Fenerbahce in a deal worth up to £8.5m, underscoring a summer of change across the Premier League as Tottenham, Manchester United and others accelerate their squads rebuilds.
The 31-year-old Netherlands defender, who made just six Premier League starts last season, leaves after six years in which he won four league titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League. City will receive around £7m up front, with the rest dependent on add-ons. Ake joined City from Bournemouth for £40m in 2020 and made 177 appearances.
“Nathan Ake leaves Manchester City for Fenerbahce in £8.5m deal as Tottenham and rivals reshape squads.”
"It's been a privilege to represent Manchester City over the past six years," Ake said. "I've grown so much here – as a player and a person." He made three appearances for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup before their elimination by Morocco in the last 32.
Ake's departure comes as Tottenham have already spent £185m to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle and Mateus Fernandes from Sporting, a double swoop that has reshaped the midfield market. Manchester United, meanwhile, are among clubs tracking Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha as they look to improve their engine room.
Elsewhere, Chelsea winger Tyrique George has completed his medical ahead of a permanent move to Everton, having spent the second half of last season on loan there. Arsenal are eyeing Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa amid Villa's financial constraints, while Leandro Trossard appears on his way out of the Emirates. Millwall have also been active, signing Belgian Under-21 international Mathis Servais from KV Mechelen for an undisclosed fee.
With City losing a veteran defender and rivals investing heavily, the window is beginning to take shape – but the biggest moves may still lie ahead.