Nathan Aké: Biography, Net Worth, Career, And Transfer History

If you’re a football fan, you’ve probably seen Nathan Aké’s name popping up in Manchester City’s matchday squads. He’s that calm, composed defender who can play anywhere across the backline, whether Pep Guardiola wants him at centre-back or left-back. But Aké’s journey didn’t start with silverware and Premier League titles. It’s a story of humble beginnings, hard work, loan spells, and proving doubters wrong.

So, grab a snack and let’s take a stroll through the life of Nathan Aké—his early days, career highs, transfer history, net worth, and the journey that made him one of the most reliable defenders in world football today.

Early Life

Nathan Benjamin Aké was born on 18 February 1995 in The Hague, Netherlands. His father, Moise Aké, hails from Ivory Coast, while his mother, Ineke Telder, is Dutch. That unique cultural mix gave Nathan a blend of discipline, humility, and determination.

Like most footballers, Aké started young. He first kicked a ball for ADO Den Haag, a local club where he quickly caught the eye with his natural reading of the game. He wasn’t just another kid chasing the ball; Nathan played like he already knew what the striker was going to do.

After a few years, Feyenoord came calling, and he joined their youth ranks. But the real turning point came in 2010, when Chelsea spotted his potential and signed him for their academy. Imagine being just 15 years old and moving to London to join one of the biggest clubs in the world—that’s a massive leap.

Chelsea Days

Breaking into Chelsea’s first team isn’t easy, especially with world-class defenders in the squad. But Aké managed to make his senior debut at just 17 years old, coming on in a Premier League match against Norwich City in December 2012.

The 2012–13 season was memorable for him—not only did he make appearances in the FA Cup, Europa League, and Premier League, but Chelsea also went on to lift the UEFA Europa League trophy that year. Aké ended the season as Chelsea’s Young Player of the Year. Not bad for a teenager.

But here’s the thing—Chelsea at that time was packed with stars, and young players rarely got regular minutes. So, the club decided to send Aké out on loan to gain experience.

Loan Journeys – Proving Himself

1. Reading (2015)
Aké’s first loan spell was a short one at Reading in the Championship. He played five games, enough to get a taste of regular first-team football.

2. Watford (2015–16)
The next season, Aké moved to Watford on loan. This was his real breakout year. He played 24 Premier League games, scored a goal, and even won Watford’s Young Player of the Season award. This loan spell proved he could handle top-flight football.

3. Bournemouth (2016–17 Loan)
In 2016, Aké joined Bournemouth on loan, where he made an instant impact. He scored three goals in just ten games, including a dramatic late winner against Liverpool. His performances were so good that Chelsea recalled him midway through the season.

Bournemouth – Becoming a Star

In June 2017, Bournemouth signed Aké permanently for £20 million—their club-record fee at the time. This was a big step because it meant Nathan was no longer just a promising loanee; he was the main man in defense.

From 2017 to 2020, Aké became one of the Premier League’s most consistent defenders. He played every single league match in the 2017–18 season, scored important goals, and won Bournemouth’s Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season awards. He also wore the captain’s armband on occasion, showing his leadership qualities.

Unfortunately, the 2019–20 season ended on a sad note—injuries kept him out for parts of the campaign, and Bournemouth were relegated from the Premier League. But even in that tough moment, bigger clubs were watching.

Manchester City – The Pep Guardiola Chapter

On 5 August 2020, Manchester City signed Nathan Aké for £41 million. Now, joining City meant going from a team fighting relegation to one competing for every trophy. It also meant working under Pep Guardiola—a manager famous for turning good players into world-class ones.

Aké made his City debut in a 3–1 win over Wolves and scored his first goal for the club against Leicester City shortly after. Over the next seasons, he grew into a key squad member, valued for his ability to play multiple positions.

The 2022–23 season was special. Aké was part of the Manchester City squad that won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, completing a historic continental treble. He even started in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. In July 2023, he extended his contract until 2027—a sign that Pep sees him as a big part of City’s future.

International Career – Flying the Dutch Flag

Nathan Aké has represented the Netherlands at every youth level and was part of the U17 team that won the UEFA European Championship in 2011 and 2012.

He made his senior debut in 2017 and scored his first international goal in 2018 against Italy. Aké was also a key part of the Netherlands squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, starting every game as the team reached the quarter-finals before losing to Argentina.

For the Dutch national team, Aké is valued not just for his defending but also for his calmness on the ball—perfect for their possession-based style.

Playing Style – Calm, Versatile, Reliable

If you’ve ever watched Nathan Aké play, you’ll notice a few things:

• Composure under pressure – He rarely panics, even when pressed by attackers.

• Versatility – He can play as a centre-back, left-back, or even in a back three.

• Aerial ability – At 5'11", he’s not the tallest centre-back, but his timing and leap make him strong in the air.

• Passing range – Perfect for City’s style, Aké can start attacks from deep.

Pep Guardiola loves players who can adapt to different positions and tactical systems, and Aké ticks all the boxes.

Net Worth – The Financial Side of Things

Now, let’s talk money. Aké’s career at top clubs like Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Manchester City has paid off financially.

• Weekly salary at Manchester City: Around £165,000

• Yearly earnings: About £8.5 million

• Estimated net worth: Between £25 million and £42 million

This wealth comes not just from wages but also from bonuses, endorsements, and sponsorships. And given he’s only in his late 20s, his earnings will likely grow.

Transfer History – Step by Step

Here’s a quick look at Aké’s career moves:

1. ADO Den Haag → Feyenoord (Youth)

2. Feyenoord → Chelsea (2010, Youth signing)

3. Chelsea → Reading (Loan) – 2015

4. Chelsea → Watford (Loan) – 2015–16

5. Chelsea → Bournemouth (Loan) – 2016–17

6. Chelsea → Bournemouth – 2017, £20m permanent deal

7. Bournemouth → Manchester City – 2020, £41m transfer

Career Achievements – The Trophy Cabinet

With Chelsea:

• UEFA Europa League (2012–13)

• Football League Cup (2014–15)

With Manchester City:

• Premier League (2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24)

• FA Cup (2022–23)

• EFL Cup (2020–21)

• UEFA Champions League (2022–23)

• UEFA Super Cup (2023)

• FIFA Club World Cup (2023)

With Netherlands U17:

• UEFA European U17 Championship (2011, 2012)

Individual Awards:

• Chelsea Young Player of the Year (2012–13)

• Watford Young Player of the Season (2015–16)

• Bournemouth Players’ Player & Supporters’ Player of the Season (2017–18)

Nathan Aké – More Than Just a Defender

Off the pitch, Aké is known for his humility and professionalism. He’s not one to seek the spotlight unnecessarily—he prefers letting his performances do the talking. In an era where flashy lifestyles dominate football headlines, Aké is refreshingly grounded.

Final Thoughts

Nathan Aké’s story is proof that patience, hard work, and adaptability can take you far in football. From his early days in The Hague to lifting the Champions League trophy with Manchester City, he’s shown resilience at every stage.

For young footballers, his journey is a lesson in staying focused—whether you’re on loan in the Championship or playing in a European final, the key is to give your all.