Manchester City Signs Nathan Ake From Bournemouth

Ake joins Ferran Torres as summer signings headed to Manchester City.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City has signed Nathan Ake from relegated Bournemouth to strengthen its defensive options.

Pep Guardiola’s side agreed to a fee of 40 million pounds for the 25-year-old Dutch center back, who signed a five-year deal to become the club’s second addition of the summer transfer window.

“City have been the best side in over the course of the last decade,” Ake said. “This is a top side full of world-class players. Everywhere you look in this squad there are big names with international pedigree.

“Pep is a manager admired across the world — what he’s done in the game speaks for itself. The success he’s had is unbelievable and the style of football he plays really appeals to me.”

City signed Valencia winger Ferrán Torres on Tuesday.

City was dethroned as Premier League champions by Liverpool in the pandemic-disrupted campaign that finished last month. City remains in contention for the Champions League this month, which Ake is not eligible for. The new season is due to begin in September.

“I know I’m going to have to work hard to get into the side, but that’s what I’m here to do,” Ake said. “I’ll do whatever I can to make an impact and help the team win silverware.”