Naturally the Cherries are going to be rumoured with plenty of left sided centre backs, following the departure of key man Marcos Senesi. [https://roundtable.io/sports/soccer/premier-league/afc-bournemouth/news/marcos-senesi-set-to-depart-the-cherries] A name that has unsurprisingly started to do the rounds, is ex Bournemouth hero Nathan Ake. There is no doubt Bournemouth fans would welcome Nathan back to the club, following what was an outstanding three and a half years on the south coast, but his injury issues do remain. His former club actually managed to secure European football following a point with his current side Man City [https://roundtable.io/sports/soccer/premier-league/afc-bournemouth/news/bournemouth-make-history-as-city-s-dream-crumbles---how-the-day-unfolded], so the allure of being in Europe would still be there for Nathan. The Netherlands international has however always struggled with missing significant periods of seasons through various muscular and foot problems. Bournemouth would definitely need to carefully assess whether they can rely on him to play regularly across a demanding domestic and European schedule, and whether the financial outlay is worth the risk. Six clubs in mix to sign £41m Man City star with Bournemouth leading the race - Exclusive [https://images.teamtalk.com/content/uploads/2026/05/29100126/New-Bournemouth-boss-Marco-Rose-is-keen-on-signing-Nathan-Ake-from-Manchester-City.jpg] Six clubs in mix to sign £41m Man City star with Bournemouth leading the race - Exclusive The star has been given the green light to leave after six years 🌐👋 #MCFC #transfernews #AFCB [https://www.teamtalk.com/news/bournemouth-approach-nathan-ake-transfer-man-city-open-door-exit-exclusive] Credit: teamtalk AKE'S PREVIOUS SPELL AT BOURNEMOUTH Nathan enjoyed many successful years on the south coast between 2017 and 2020, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most accomplished defenders before earning his £41 million move to Manchester City. Following an impressive loan spell from Chelsea, the Cherries opted to sign the classy defender for a fee of around £20 million in June 2017. Ake was undoubtedly a fans favourite whilst on the south coast, being awarded with both the 'Players Player' and "Fans Player' of the season awards in his first permanent campaign with the club. Following the disappointing relegation in 2020, it was always going to be a tough ask to keep hold one of their main stars, and Ake stayed in the Premier League, signing for Man City for a fee of around £40 million. Credit: @afcbournemouth on X. NATHAN AKE AT MANCHESTER CITY Ake grew in confidence in a City shirt and became a consistent performer for Pep Guardiola's men, winning plenty of trophies along the way. Four Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, two EFL Cups and a Champions League, very impressive and Nathan will always be remembered fondly amongst the Citizens. Nathan's opportunities at Manchester City have however become increasingly limited of late. Competition for places remains fierce and, when fit, Guardiola has often preferred other options in central defence. With Pep leaving, Ake could well want to stay and gain his place back in the side, but with his injury problems and coming to the latter stages of his career, he could want to cement regular football elsewhere. Ake: I’m very happy with Carabao Cup success [https://www.mancity.com/meta/media/2kcczgco/ake-wide.jpg] Ake: I’m very happy with Carabao Cup success Nathan Ake said our 2026 Carabao Cup triumph was ‘very special’ as City saw off Arsenal at Wembley. [https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/nathan-ake-2026-carabao-cup-reaction-63909805] Credit: mancity.com For the Cherries, a sentimental reunion would make for a compelling story and more importantly, it could also make a great deal of footballing sense. Nathan would return to a very different Bournemouth, and Europa League qualification [https://roundtable.io/sports/soccer/premier-league/afc-bournemouth/news/europa-league-confirmed-as-bournemouth-end-historic-season-unbeaten] could tempt him to return even further, if the Cherries were to come calling.
