Manchester City’s Nathan Ake set for Bournemouth return as Tottenham begin transfer domino | OneFootball

Bournemouth are exploring the possibility of a return for Nathan Ake as the Manchester City defender’s future looks set to be away from the Etihad Stadium. 

The Cherries are exploring the market for a central defender this summer after reports emerged claiming that Marcos Senesi has agreed to join Tottenham on a four-year deal. 

Despite missing out on Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, Senesi frequently captained Bournemouth in the 2025-26 season to help them qualify for their first-ever European competition, making 39 appearances in a remarkable campaign.

Report: Man City ready to sell Ake this summer

Ake has spent six years at City, winning multiple trophies – including the UEFA Champions League and four Premier League titles – to create history in the club’s most successful era under Pep Guardiola.

However, with only 12 months remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, City are willing to yield his departure this summer as they strive to reshape their squad following the exit of Guardiola, according to TEAMtalk. 

Ake spent four cultivating years at Bournemouth after initially joining the south coast club on loan from Chelsea before making the move permanent in 2017.

How has Ake fared at Man City since 2020?

Not only did the Netherlands international establish himself as one of the most prospective defenders in the Premier League, he earned himself a £41 million move to City in 2020. 

Amongst his successes under Guardiola, the 31-year-old has made 177 appearances in east Manchester and will certainly deliver success anywhere he goes, with the Vitality Stadium a reasonable next destination. 

Though Andoni Iraola is thought to be taking over Arne Slot’s job at Liverpool – with a pre-planned exit from Bournemouth at the conclusion of the season already processed – Ake is a versatile powerhouse who shows little weakness in a defensive line.

How could Man City’s backline take shape under Enzo Maresca?

And with Marco Rose taking over from Iraola at Bournemouth, the German head coach’s tactical flexibility and high-intensity demands match those of Ake’s strengths in a back three or four. 

There is the obvious suggestion that City will need to fill the gaps in a narrowing defence and it’s apparent that the first few months of Enzo Maresca’s reign will focus heavily on bringing in exceptional talent. 

While John Stones has already left on a free transfer, City’s backline could take further damage, with reports also suggesting that Josko Gvardiol could move to Barcelona this summer, though the La Liga club’s finances make the move highly unlikely.