West Ham United’s ambitious attempt to sign Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has hit a terminal roadblock, with reports confirming the Dutch international has flatly rejected a move to the London Stadium.
According to talkSPORT, the Hammers approached the Premier League champions regarding a potential January deal, but were swiftly informed that the 30-year-old has "no desire" to join a club currently embroiled in a fight for survival.
West Ham, who sit 18th in the Premier League table and five points adrift of safety, had identified Ake as the perfect candidate to shore up their leaky defence. However, despite Man City’s willingness to do business, the player’s ambition has scuppered any hope of a deal.
A "Relegation Battle" Snub
The rejection serves as a stark reality check for the West Ham hierarchy. While the club were prepared to match City’s valuation—understood to be a cut-price £21million—Ake is unwilling to risk his status by joining a side in freefall.
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Ake is desperate for regular minutes after falling behind Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order. However, sources close to the player indicate he is holding out for a club with European aspirations or, at the very least, mid-table security.
City Open to Exit
The report confirms that Manchester City are ready to sanction Ake’s departure. Having started just one Premier League game this season, Guardiola has given the green light for the defender to leave if the right offer arrives.
This "green light" has alerted other suitors. Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are reportedly monitoring the situation, while Barcelona remain interested in a loan deal to cover for their own injury crisis. Unlike West Ham, these clubs offer the competitive environment Ake is seeking.
Nuno Under Pressure
For West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo, missing out on a primary target is a significant blow. The Portuguese coach is under immense pressure to turn the tide, and the inability to attract elite talent due to their league position threatens to derail their January recruitment plans entirely.
What Happens Next?
West Ham must now pivot rapidly to alternative targets. With Ake off the table, the Hammers may need to lower their sights or pay a premium to convince other targets to join a relegation scrap. For Ake, the wait continues for a suitor that matches both his quality and his ambition.