Everton Step Up Talks to Sign Manchester City Defender
Everton’s summer transfer business has revolved around one central theme—balancing creativity with defensive solidity. After falling short in their Premier League opener against Leeds, where midfielder James Garner was forced to fill in as an emergency left-back due to Vitaliy Mykolenko’s absence, manager David Moyes has been left with little choice but to reassess his defensive resources. Matters worsened with the injury setback to Jarrad Branthwaite, exposing a worrying lack of depth in key positions at the back.
Despite finishing last season with the joint fourth-best defensive record in the league, conceding just 44 goals, Everton recognise that numbers alone don’t tell the full story. The Toffees remain vulnerable when injuries or suspensions hit, and Moyes has made it clear that experienced reinforcements are needed to ensure stability over a long campaign.
Everton Open Talks with Manchester City for Nathan Ake
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have now opened discussions with Manchester City regarding defender Nathan Ake. The Dutchman, who has been described by Pep Guardiola as “an exceptional guy,” is emerging as one of Everton’s primary defensive targets.
City, who boast enviable depth in central defence with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol, are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the 30-year-old. Guardiola prefers working with a compact squad, and the arrival of new signings such as Rayan Aït-Nouri has only increased the competition for minutes, potentially paving the way for Ake’s departure.
The sticking point, however, is valuation. City are believed to want in the region of £30–35 million, a fee that reflects the player’s experience and reliability. Everton would ideally prefer a loan-to-buy structure, but regulations prevent them from taking more than one loanee from the same club in a single window—having already secured Jack Grealish on loan.
Complicating matters further, Ake is reportedly keen on regular first-team action at a club competing in Europe. Newcastle are also understood to hold an interest, meaning Everton must act quickly and decisively if they are to win the race.
What Ake Brings to Everton
One of Ake’s biggest selling points is his versatility. Comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, he offers a two-in-one solution for Moyes, who is currently stretched thin in both areas. Since joining City from Bournemouth in 2020 for £41 million, Ake has carved out a reputation as a dependable squad option, often entrusted with big-game starts despite fierce competition.
Statistically, his profile fits perfectly into a possession-based system. Last season, he played 29 league matches, ranking in the 99th percentile for pass completion (94.4%) and 95th percentile for progressive passes (6.17 per 90 minutes). His ability to carry the ball forward also stands out, ranking in the 90th percentile for progressive carries.
Though his defensive numbers—tackles, interceptions, and blocks—appear less impressive on paper, context is important. At City, his responsibilities were largely positional and tactical rather than combative. Under Moyes, Ake could be tasked with a more traditional defensive role, potentially unlocking another dimension to his game.
Why Ake Could Be a Better Investment than Grealish
Everton’s loan signing of Jack Grealish earlier this summer injected creativity into the squad, but the move carries limitations. Once hailed as one of England’s most exciting attacking midfielders, Grealish has struggled with injuries, missing 17 matches over the past two seasons. His minutes have dwindled—he featured for just 721 league minutes last campaign, starting only seven times. His output was modest: a single goal and one assist.
While Grealish still offers flair and vision, his fitness issues and loan status make him a short-term fix at best. By contrast, Ake represents a more robust and enduring solution. For a team already bolstered in attack through the additions of Grealish and Thierno Barry, addressing defensive fragility is now the higher priority.
In this sense, Moyes’ pursuit of Ake underlines a pragmatic strategy—building resilience from the back. Injuries to Branthwaite and Mykolenko have highlighted just how thin Everton are in defence. Ake’s Premier League pedigree, leadership qualities, and tactical adaptability make him a player who could immediately elevate the team’s structure and balance.
Final Thoughts
At a projected fee of £30–35 million, Everton’s move for Ake would be an investment not only in shoring up the defence but also in ensuring flexibility across multiple positions. Compared to Grealish, whose loan spell is clouded by uncertainty and fitness concerns, Ake promises continuity and a clear long-term benefit.
For David Moyes, building a side capable of weathering the rigours of the Premier League requires more than attacking flair—it demands a strong defensive core. If Everton can strike a deal with City, the addition of Ake could prove the most decisive move of their transfer window, potentially shaping their entire 2025/26 campaign.