Everton are emerging as a potential Premier League destination for Nathan Aké as Manchester City prepare to approve a permanent transfer for the Dutch defender in January. According to City Xtra, City are open to selling Aké for around £35 million, with Inter Milan, Juventus and Crystal Palace already positioning themselves — and Everton now monitoring the situation.
Aké has endured a difficult season under Pep Guardiola, featuring sparingly and making just one Premier League start, coincidentally against Everton back in February. The 30-year-old has also seen limited game time in domestic cups, with Guardiola favouring other defensive options and integrating younger profiles into his back line.
City’s depth at both centre-back and left-back has restricted Aké’s involvement. The emergence of Nico O’Reilly as a credible left-back option, combined with the return to fitness of summer signing Rayan Aït-Nouri, has pushed the Netherlands international further down the pecking order. With his contract entering its final 18 months, City are prepared to cash in.
Everton, meanwhile, are assessing defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle. Sean Dyche’s side have shown grit this season but remain vulnerable in key defensive phases, and the opportunity to sign an experienced, versatile Premier League defender such as Aké represents an attractive prospect.
The Toffees’ interest aligns with their strategy of targeting undervalued or unsettled players from top clubs, particularly those with proven Premier League pedigree. Aké has accumulated significant experience across spells at Bournemouth and Manchester City, and his ability to play at centre-back and left-back offers tactical flexibility for a squad that has faced depth challenges.
While Inter Milan and Juventus remain strong contenders — both clubs actively seeking defensive reinforcements — Everton believe the Premier League familiarity they can offer may appeal to Aké, who wants regular minutes to protect his international prospects ahead of 2026. Crystal Palace are also watching developments but would likely need to move players out before committing to a deal.
City’s stance is clear: they will only negotiate a permanent sale. Aké rejoined the club in 2019 and has been a reliable squad member during Guardiola’s trophy-laden period, but the club’s defensive overhaul and increased competition mean opportunities have dwindled. With Vitor Reis potentially available for mid-season recall from Girona, City feel more confident in allowing an exit.
For Everton, the deal may hinge on outgoings and financial manoeuvring within the January window. However, the Merseyside club have been encouraged by the initial figures being discussed, with €35m representing a feasible fee for a defender of Aké’s calibre — particularly given the club’s need for stability and leadership at the back.
Everton’s ambitions for the second half of the season centre on securing Premier League safety early and building momentum ahead of next year. Adding a player of Aké’s quality would not only strengthen the starting XI but also raise the overall profile and confidence of Dyche’s defence.
Whether Aké is willing to leave a title-chasing Manchester City side for a new challenge remains to be seen, but the defender’s desire for regular minutes — combined with the opportunity to re-establish himself as a consistent Premier League starter — could influence his decision during the January window.
As City prepare to streamline their squad and Everton look for experienced reinforcements, Aké’s future is set to become one of the defining defensive storylines of the upcoming window. A move to Merseyside may be unlikely compared to the European giants involved — but Everton are watching closely, ready to take advantage if an opening emerges.