This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
Manchester City has made a significant move in the transfer market, signing Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake on a five-year deal worth £40 million, with the potential to rise to £41 million.
The signing comes just a day after the club announced the arrival of Spain Under-21s winger Ferran Torres from Valencia.
Ake, 25, expressed his excitement about joining the club, saying, "City have been the best side in England over the course of the last decade. Coming here is a dream for me. This is a top side full of world-class players. Everywhere you look in this squad there are big names with international pedigree."
City director of football Txiki Begiristain praised Ake, stating, "Nathan is a quality defender. He was a leader during his time at Bournemouth and I am so pleased we’ve managed to bring him here. He’s strong and quick, and we feel he has the technical and intellectual attributes needed to excel in Pep’s set-up."
The signing is a significant boost for Manchester City, who finished 18 points behind Liverpool in the previous season. The club had struggled with injuries, particularly a knee ligament injury to Aymeric Laporte, which exposed their lack of cover in central defence.
With Ake on board, Manchester City is looking to rebuild and strengthen their defence, a key area of focus for manager Pep Guardiola.
