Report: West Ham United dealt major transfer blow as player rejects move

Nathan Ake turns down West Ham approach amid uncertainty at Man City

Nathan Ake has rejected a proposed January move to West Ham United – according to TalkSport – despite growing uncertainty surrounding his role at Manchester City. The Netherlands international is understood to be open to leaving the Etihad Stadium before the end of the season, but only under conditions that align with his sporting priorities and longer-term ambitions.

West Ham’s interest was firm and direct. The London club are searching urgently for defensive reinforcements as they battle near the foot of the Premier League table, and Ake’s profile appealed as an experienced, title-winning centre-back capable of stabilising a struggling back line. However, sources close to the situation indicate the defender has little appetite for a mid-season move into a relegation fight, even with the promise of regular minutes.

At this stage of his career, Ake remains selective. While he accepts that his standing at Man City has shifted, he is unwilling to compromise on competitive level or project clarity, particularly with European football and international considerations in mind.

Photo: IMAGO

Man City role under scrutiny

Ake’s situation at Man City has evolved gradually rather than dramatically. Once a trusted and versatile option under Pep Guardiola, capable of operating both centrally and at left-back, the 30-year-old has slipped down the pecking order following a sequence of injury setbacks and increased competition.

This season, his Premier League involvement has been limited. He has made just eight league appearances, starting only twice, a notable reduction for a player who has previously been central to City’s rotation during title-winning campaigns. Guardiola continues to value Ake’s professionalism and tactical intelligence, but selection trends suggest he is no longer viewed as first choice when the squad is at full strength.

With only 18 months remaining on his current contract, the coming transfer windows represent a natural crossroads. Man City are aware of his contractual position and are understood to have placed a valuation in the region of £21 million on the defender, a figure reflecting both his pedigree and age.

West Ham setback in survival battle

For West Ham, Ake’s refusal represents a significant setback. Defensive frailties have been a defining feature of their campaign, and the club sit inside the bottom three, conceding goals at a rate surpassed only by Wolves.

The January window is viewed internally as decisive. Recruitment plans include both defensive and attacking reinforcements, but the need for an experienced centre-back has been particularly pressing. Ake was seen as a short-term solution with immediate impact, someone capable of leading from the back and improving organisation.

Despite the rejection, West Ham are expected to continue exploring alternatives. The club accept that persuading players of Ake’s calibre to join amid relegation pressure is a challenge, but the urgency of their situation leaves little room for hesitation.

Transfer market interest beyond London

West Ham are not the only club monitoring developments around Ake. Several Premier League sides, including Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace, have tracked his availability, while interest from abroad has also emerged.

In Spain, Barcelona have been linked amid their ongoing search for defensive reinforcements following injury issues. However, financial constraints are likely to limit their ability to meet Man City’s asking price, making a deal difficult without significant outgoings.

Ake’s preference appears clear. Should he leave Man City, it would likely be for a club offering competitive stability, tactical clarity and a pathway to regular football without sacrificing standards. That calculus currently works against a move to West Ham, regardless of playing time assurances.

For now, Ake remains a Manchester City player, albeit one at a contractual and professional juncture. Whether his future lies at the Etihad or elsewhere will depend on how the market develops and whether a proposal emerges that satisfies both club valuation and player ambition.