Manchester City Defender on Everton’s Radar Before Deadline | OneFootball

Everton Eye Move for Manchester City Defender Nathan Ake

Everton are weighing up a move for Nathan Ake as David Moyes looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the transfer deadline. According to the Daily Mail, “David Moyes’ side are desperate to bring in reinforcements across the pitch in the final few weeks of the window and it now appears that Ake has emerged as a target.”

The 30-year-old Dutchman has been a key part of Manchester City’s success since joining from Bournemouth in 2020 for £41 million. Ake has collected 10 major honours, including four Premier League titles, but injuries restricted him to just 10 league appearances last season. His omission from City’s 4-0 win over Wolves suggests his role under Pep Guardiola could diminish further this campaign.

Why Everton Need Ake

The Toffees’ defensive crisis is severe. Jarrad Branthwaite is sidelined after an injury in training, while Vitaly Mykolenko also missed the defeat to Leeds. This left James Garner, primarily a central midfielder, filling in at left back. Club captain James Tarkowski endured his own pre-season injury setback, and options are limited to Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien, the latter deployed at right back against Leeds.

Photo: IMAGO

Moyes’ pursuit of Ake makes sense given his ability to play as both a left-sided centre back and left back. That versatility could stabilise Everton’s backline in a period where injuries have exposed a lack of depth.

Ake’s Situation at Manchester City

Competition at City has intensified following the £31m arrival of Rayan Ait-Nouri and the emergence of Josko Gvardiol as a preferred choice on the left side of defence. Guardiola has admitted the squad is too large, saying, “We should [trim the squad], but it’s difficult because I love all of them; I like all of them and they like to be here. So the situation is not easy but they know it.”

Guardiola added, “We have a lot of players, tomorrow there will be two players on the tribune, and when players come back it will be four or five at home and of course it’s not an ideal situation.”

Those words leave the door open for departures, and with Ake eager for regular football after a frustrating year, Everton’s interest appears timely.

Photo IMAGO

What Ake Could Offer Everton

Ake’s experience, composure on the ball and adaptability make him an ideal candidate to lead Everton’s defence during a challenging phase. Having earned 54 caps for the Netherlands and excelled in title-winning squads, his presence would add leadership to Moyes’ side.

Everton, who have already brought in Jack Grealish from City this summer, face Brighton on Sunday. A move for Ake before the deadline would provide a significant boost to their defensive stability and season ambitions.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Everton supporters, this potential signing signals ambition during adversity. Nathan Ake would immediately raise the quality of a defence currently stretched beyond its limits. His ability to operate as a centre back or left back solves two glaring issues in one move.

Some fans will question whether this deal is financially viable, but with the squad so thin, it may be a calculated risk worth taking. Injuries have left Moyes with no choice but to explore elite options. Ake’s experience at City, coupled with his leadership and composure, could transform a backline that has lacked organisation.

The challenge lies in persuading Ake to swap Champions League football for a relegation battle. However, regular starts and a key role under Moyes may appeal to a player eager for stability after a difficult year at the Etihad. This could be one of the most important deals Everton pursue this summer.