Ake drops hint after Carabao Cup title that he could be leaving Manchester City after season comes to an end.

He’s been one of Pep Guardiola’s most reliable defenders during Manchester City’s golden age, but he could be on the way out the door. Nathan Ake hinted that his days in Manchester could be numbered after City’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal.

Perfect farewell for Ake

Ake played the entire 90 minutes on Sunday against Arsenal after being included in the starting XI in each of the six Carabao Cup games this season. He has stated in the past that his future is still up in the air after seeing his role on the City back line diminish due to over the last couple of seasons.

There was already an indication that he could be on his way out of Etihad Stadium at the end of the season, and his recent comments after City’s latest title only fueled the fire. While away with the Netherlands, he was asked about his future to which he answered, “I have no idea, but winning the Carabao would certainly be a nice ending,” Ake told Algmeen Dagblad while on international duty. “He [Guardiola] said he was super proud of me and that I played a top match. We have been through so much together in the last six years.”

Ake has made 172 appearances for City, won 11 titles and was a crucial part of the Champions League winning side that brought Manchester their first European Cup in 2023. This year he has played in just 14 league matches and five Champions League, coming mostly off the bench in the European competition.

Next stop Netherlands for Nathan

While he hasn’t played as much under Pep as he has in the past, the Spaniard was clear on Ake’s impact for a cup final on Sunday. Before the match, Guardiola said, “I have no doubts on playing Nathan Ake today. I know he doesn’t play much for reasons, he has experience and incredible composure.” The dutch defender delivered in an all around dominant defensive performance from City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Ake has a contract with the club until 2027, but there are reports linking him to a move to Barcelona in the summer. If he decides to leave this summer he is likely to announce his intentions after the World Cup, and there should be a long list of clubs looking to acquire his services.

At the moment he is on duty with the Netherlands preparing for friendlies against Norway and Ecuador. After the international break, he will have a chance for win another title, or titles, with Manchester City in the quarters of the FA Cup, and chasing leaders Arsenal who have a nine points. Guardiola’s men have eight matches reaming while Arsenal have seven left, and one of those is against City at the Etihad.

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