Everton are making waves in the summer transfer window as they set their sights on Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, hoping to shore up a backline that has been stretched thin by injuries and a rocky start to the new Premier League season. The Toffees, now under the guidance of David Moyes, are desperate to avoid yet another relegation battle and see Ake as the perfect solution to their defensive woes.
It’s been a turbulent August for Everton fans. Their 1-0 defeat to Leeds United on August 18, 2025, at the freshly inaugurated Hill Dickinson Stadium did little to inspire confidence. The newly promoted Leeds side dominated proceedings, leaving supporters and pundits alike questioning whether Moyes has been given the backing he needs to steer the club clear of trouble. The loss was more than just three points dropped—it was a wake-up call that the current squad is in urgent need of reinforcements, particularly at the back.
Injuries have only compounded Everton’s problems. Star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite suffered a hamstring injury in training, ruling him out until at least early October. His absence leaves a gaping hole in the defense, one that was painfully evident against Leeds when James Garner, a natural midfielder, was forced to fill in at left-back due to Vitaliy Mykolenko’s own injury struggles. Nathan Patterson, another key defensive option, has also been battling fitness issues in recent months, further limiting Moyes’ choices.
Enter Nathan Ake. According to a highly regarded Everton insider, followed by the likes of Alan Myers, Fabrizio Romano, Jason Burt, and Christopher Beesley, the club is actively working on a deal to bring the Dutch international to Merseyside. The news broke on August 20, 2025, via X (formerly Twitter), and has since sent a ripple of cautious optimism through the Everton faithful.
Ake, now 30, is no stranger to the rigors of Premier League football. With 235 top-flight appearances under his belt—spanning stints at Chelsea, Bournemouth, Watford, and Manchester City—he brings a wealth of experience and a calm head to any backline. Last season, Ake featured 20 times across all competitions for City, but his role has diminished, as evidenced by his status as an unused substitute in City’s recent 4-0 victory over Wolves on August 17, 2025. For a player of his caliber, the lure of regular first-team football could prove irresistible.
Everton’s need for a player of Ake’s versatility cannot be overstated. Not only is he a reliable centre-back, but he’s also comfortable operating as a left-back—a position that’s become a headache for Moyes in light of Mykolenko’s injury. The recent reshuffling that saw Garner deployed out of position against Leeds is hardly a sustainable solution for a Premier League campaign. As the Goodison News outlet aptly put it, “signing Ake would prevent scenarios like this from happening again in the near future.”
Manager David Moyes is well aware of the urgency. With the transfer window ticking down, he’s reportedly pushing hard to get the deal for Ake over the line before Everton’s next home fixture—a crucial clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, August 24. The Toffees are eager to secure their first win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and set a positive tone for the season ahead. Having a player of Ake’s pedigree available could be the boost they desperately need.
The move also signals a broader ambition from Everton this summer. The club has already pulled off a coup by signing Jack Grealish from Manchester City, and bringing in another high-profile name from the Etihad would further underscore their intent to climb the table. Yet, as recent results have shown, marquee signings alone won’t solve Everton’s problems unless they address the glaring gaps in their squad.
Everton’s defensive frailties have been laid bare not just by injuries, but by their lack of depth. The club’s reliance on makeshift solutions, such as using midfielders in defensive roles, has left them vulnerable. With Branthwaite and Patterson both sidelined, and Mykolenko still recovering, Moyes’ options are perilously thin. The addition of Ake would provide much-needed cover and allow the manager to deploy his players in their natural positions—a luxury he’s not enjoyed so far this season.
For Ake, the prospect of joining Everton comes at a pivotal point in his career. After joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in 2020, he initially played a key role under Pep Guardiola, but has since found opportunities harder to come by. With City’s defensive ranks bolstered by new signings and emerging talents, Ake’s minutes have dwindled. A move to Everton offers the chance to reestablish himself as a Premier League regular and play a leading role in a team eager to prove its doubters wrong.
The potential transfer has also sparked discussion among fans and analysts. Some see Ake as a perfect fit for Moyes’ pragmatic style, noting his composure on the ball and ability to read the game. Others question whether one signing can truly transform Everton’s fortunes, especially given the club’s struggles in recent seasons. Still, there’s a sense that Ake’s arrival could be a turning point, providing the stability and leadership that’s been sorely lacking.
Looking ahead, Everton’s immediate focus is on their upcoming match against Brighton. The pressure is on to deliver a result and kickstart their campaign. Whether or not Ake is signed in time to feature remains to be seen, but the urgency of the situation is clear. As the transfer window draws to a close, every decision counts—and for Everton, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the Toffees continue to negotiate with Manchester City, supporters are left hoping that the club’s ambition in the transfer market will translate into performances on the pitch. With injuries mounting and the specter of another relegation scrap looming, the next few weeks could define Everton’s season. If Nathan Ake does make the switch to Merseyside, his experience and versatility might just be the difference between another year of struggle and a campaign of renewed optimism at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
