Newcastle United Identify This Dutch Centre-Back As A Target: Wise Move For Howe?

In a recent report, Eurosport has stated that Newcastle United have identified Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake as a target for this winter transfer window. It is understood that the Magpies are keen on landing the Dutch defender when the transfer window reopens in January.

Ake’s Lack Of Game Time At Manchester This Season

Ake has struggled to earn regular playing time at the Etihad Stadium this season as he has fallen behind Ruben Dias and John Stones in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order. The 26-year-old has been involved in seven matches for the Mancunian giants in this campaign so far, scoring one goal in the process across various competitions.

The Den Haag-born talent has averaged 1.0 tackles and 2.0 clearances per game in the Premier League. He has even distributed the ball really well after making 89.8% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).

Will Recruiting Ake Be A Wise Move For Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe?

Ake has been a rock at the back for Man City when he has been called up to play in Guardiola’s first team. However, the lack of game time has halted his progress at the Etihad. The Dutch defensive ace can get stuck in with some solid tackles to make life difficult for the opposition. He is also a tidy passer of the ball which could make him a good fit for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe’s style of play at St. James’ Park.

Ake is good enough to earn a regular starting place at the Tyneside club in the coming seasons. At 26, the ex-Bournemouth sensation is entering the peak stage of his playing career, so the Magpies can expect to make the most out of his services over the next few years.

At the very least, Ake will add some healthy competition for Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark for a place in Eddie Howe‘s first XI. Thus, it would be a wise move for Newcastle United to engineer a move to bring him to Tyneside during the January transfer period.