Although Manchester City have secured the signing of a new centre-back in Marc Guehi, the Premier League champions are refusing to part with another defender during the winter transfer window.
After recruiting Ghanaian right winger Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City confirmed their second January signing on Monday. Previously targeted by Liverpool and retained by Crystal Palace during the last summer window, Guehi has signed a contract until June 2031 with Pep Guardiola’s side. The Citizens are understood to have paid £20m to secure the services of the 25-year-old England international.
Signed to help cover the numerous injuries suffered in central defence by Manchester United’s neighbours since the start of the 2025-26 season, with Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias and John Stones all currently sidelined, the Abidjan-born defender has shaken up City’s winter plans. With his contract expiring in June 2026, John Stones is reportedly working towards a departure from the Etihad Stadium.
Man City: Nathan Ake highly sought after but staying put
However, according to Sports Boom, Manchester City have no intention of sanctioning a departure for Nathan Ake, despite strong interest in his services. The 30-year-old Netherlands international has been linked with Inter Milan, Barcelona and Newcastle United, but is expected to remain at the club despite the arrival of Marc Guehi in his position.
The former Bournemouth defender has started just four Premier League matches during the 2025-26 campaign. Nevertheless, he remains highly valued by Guardiola. Ake was named in the starting lineup at left-back during last weekend’s 2-0 defeat in the Manchester derby against Manchester United.
Despite his limited game time, Ake is considered “untouchable” within the squad. He has played 991 minutes across 20 appearances in all competitions this season, averaging 49 minutes per match. While the signing of Guehi is unlikely to improve his situation on paper, the ongoing injury issues in City’s defensive unit could still allow Ake to feature regularly during the second half of the campaign.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
