Nathan Ake seemed to be an unfeasible target for AC Milan in the final days of the mercato, but it may not be the case.
Whilst reports have suggested that Pep Guardiola is unwilling to sanction an exit for Ake, he may have very little say in the matter. In a World Cup year, minutes are heavily important, and if the Dutch defender is unable to play, then he may try to request a move.
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That step has not been made yet, but it seems that he is already opening himself up for a departure, with time running out. After all, he has been told that his minutes must increase by Ronald Koeman if he is to make the squad this summer.
Ake Update
Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano have, this evening, commented on the situation, with the Rossoneri ready to pounce, and MilanNews have relayed their words from YouTube.
Moretto speaks first: “Milan has been monitoring him since the beginning of January, aware that it’s a rather complicated operation in terms of costs. But in the final days of this transfer window, perhaps this type of deal could turn into an opportunity.
“After tonight’s Champions League match against City, there will certainly be further meetings; we’ll also need to see what Guardiola thinks. On Thursday, City will also have an internal meeting to figure out what path to take with Aké.
“However, I repeat, Milan is waiting, trying to understand and assess the costs of the deal to assess whether it’s truly a viable option or not.”
Then Romano: “I think there are two things to discuss about Aké. One concerns City: we’ll have to see whether City want to release him or not, because, after all, the injuries to Ruben Dias and Gvardiol certainly aren’t helping.
“On the other hand, there’s also a question linked to the World Cup: Aké, a bit like many other players, wants to play more. Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands coach, even publicly a few weeks ago, made it clear to his players that anyone who wants to go to the World Cup has to play, and right now, Aké isn’t playing much.
“So this incentive from Koeman, both public and private, could also be a factor. Then we move on to City; we’ll see how this discussion develops.”
Finally, Moretto again: “They tell me he’d even be willing to make a financial sacrifice to find a project that can give him consistent performances. So we’ll see what happens in the next few days.”
Should have gotten him 4-5 years ago when Maldini was director. Guess better late than never. He’s a decent defender but have a feeling of Akanji part 2 incoming
It is possible, given the fact that inter asked for a loan and buy option
The real question is: at 30 years old is this worth it and is he a definite improvement over what we already have? He can play as an LB or CB, so given his almost demand for minutes, does this mean he displaces Bartesaghi or Pavlovic? Neither would make sense, and at 5’11” it wouldn’t make sense for him to displace Gabbia at the center of the back three. To me this seems like another Nkunku desperation type signing of another club’s deadwood.
seems like it lowkey… Walker also had little to no effect, but maybe him, deWinter and Tomori can actually be a bench-able trio and push for Gila in the summer
Pavlovic – Gabbia – Gila
Ake – deWinter – Tomori
Walker came to us at 34 years old. Ake is 30.
That 4 years is a big difference.
so is Modric and so were Giroud and Ibra… all were older than 35… what’s your point?
You said Walker had little to no effect in improving the team. Walker at 34 is different from Walker at 30.
Ake at 30 right now is in the peak of his powers, he is also a lot better than Pavlovic, Gabbia and Tomori. He would definitely help this team if he were to come in right now.
Why do you need 6 potential starters? We are maybe playing back 3, but so far we needed only 4 defenders for it.
We have really solid 3 starters. I dont want anybody to leave from them. People are criticising tomori,but he is great this season, good on ball, no errors, and as gabbia, inteligent and commanding for his right side of the pitch.
Heck i dont think we need 6 defenders like that. 5 + 1 prospect is completely enough.
Pablovic – Gabbia – Tomori
Gila and De winter as quality rotations
+ 1 prospect like odogu
+ We always have futuro
Ake is absolutely brilliant. If we got him, we’ll get 2.5-3.5 top class years out of him and maybe more.
Our best defender right now (in my opinion) is Gabbia; Ake is miles better.
But we’re not getting him so it’s all just chatter 😂
Well they signed Guehi so I think this is pretty much very likely to happen if Ake lowers his salary and Milan pushes for a deal.
I’d like this move 5 years ago. Ake is a bit old but still a decent player so not a bad idea. Personally I want Gila even if it’s a handshake summer deal like Ricci from last season.
Isn’t this what Maldini was trying to do? Use promising younger players and sprinkle experience in there? Except he got sacked for it (and for talking in public about it). Now Milan is doing the same thing.
I think you’ll find Maldini was sacked for Origi, CDK and losing players on free transfers. Stop pushing your tired agenda. Either get behind the team or stay quiet.
He and Cardinale clearly had different ideas about the right direction at the time and I cant imagine Maldini pulled his punches when conveying what he thought of the new strategy.
That strategy has now been tweaked somewhat and even though Maldini would be a good fit ‘somewhere’ in the current set-up, I suspect bridges have been burned.
Why they make financial sacrifice for unwanted Premier League players 😑
Read again
Why you idiots not buy Muharemovic? He play seria A and he is one of best deffenders. What you wait? Oh sorry you like buy from England i forget you like buy crap and bring here.
Muharemovic over Ake Dude…behave!!!
Four premier league titles, champions league winner – key player in all of them. Used to playing in a 3. In his prime.
We’ve signed some crap from England, and some key players from England. are would definitely be in the latter camp.