You Won’t Believe Who Could Replace Nathan Ake at Manchester City – Pep May Already Have the Perfect Solution!
Manchester City are bracing for one of their busiest summer transfer windows in recent years, with significant spending expected as the club prepares to undergo a major squad rebuild. After a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that exposed a number of weaknesses across the pitch, there’s a growing sense that big changes are not just likely — they’re essential.
With long-serving director of football Txiki Begiristain stepping aside, the incoming Hugo Viana will be thrown straight into the deep end. The new football chief will need to make quick, effective decisions to reshape a squad that, for all its star power, has looked vulnerable at times this season. City have fallen well below their usual standards, and their performances — particularly in midfield and defence — have left fans and pundits questioning whether this all-conquering side is finally in need of a reset.
Defensively, City have looked alarmingly fragile in stretches of the campaign. While the backline has long been considered a pillar of strength under Pep Guardiola, this season has revealed cracks. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued key players, and even Guardiola’s tactical mastery hasn’t been enough to completely paper over those issues.
However, it’s in midfield where the problems have been most glaring. A noticeable lack of energy and dynamism has allowed opponents to bypass City’s press and exploit space in transition. The absence of true box-to-box midfielders has left City more open than usual, a vulnerability that has cost them dearly in tight games.
That said, reinforcements are expected across multiple positions — and the defence will almost certainly be addressed. With John Stones and Nathan Ake both having turned 30 and facing recurring injury concerns, City may look to bring in fresh legs and begin preparing for the future. While Ake’s injury record isn’t quite as worrying as Stones’, the Dutch defender has still struggled to stay consistently fit, managing just 18 appearances across all competitions this season. It would be no surprise if City begin to view him as someone in need of a long-term successor.
But rather than simply dipping into the market and spending upwards of £50 million on a new defender, Guardiola may already have a solution developing within the club’s own ranks — Callum Doyle.
The 21-year-old centre-back, currently on loan at Norwich City, has quietly enjoyed a very successful spell in the Championship. Despite a recent injury that’s sidelined him for the past four league games, Doyle has already made 39 appearances across all competitions this season, showcasing his growing maturity and composure at a high level.
Even more impressively, Doyle has contributed seven assists, a remarkable tally for a defender. His ability to play as a left-back as well as a central defender speaks to the kind of versatility that Guardiola covets. He’s not just a traditional stopper — Doyle has shown he can contribute going forward and step into midfield with the ball, qualities that mirror some of Guardiola’s favourite defenders from past and present.
The praise from within Norwich has been glowing. Midfielder Kenny McLean spoke highly of Doyle in a feature for the club’s YouTube channel earlier this season, saying: “I think anyone who’s watched Callum will agree that when he’s on the ball and pressing, and when he steps into midfield, and plays a forward pass, honestly he’s incredible at it and we’re very fortunate that we’ve got someone who can do that for us in that position.” McLean also described Doyle as “quality,” highlighting the on-field connection the two players shared.
Statistically, Doyle has been one of Norwich’s standout performers. According to WhoScored, he ranks as the fourth-highest rated player in the squad — a testament to how consistent and influential he’s been throughout the season.
With his loan spell nearing its conclusion, Doyle is expected to return to Manchester City this summer, and discussions will soon take place about the next step in his career. A place in Guardiola’s pre-season squad looks highly likely, and if he impresses, he could be in line for a much bigger role in 2025/26.
The timing could be perfect. Josko Gvardiol has nailed down the left-sided centre-back position and has been one of City’s best performers this season. But with Ake struggling for fitness and offering less attacking threat, the door may be opening for Doyle to carve out a meaningful role in the senior setup.
With almost 100 senior appearances under his belt — most of them in the physically demanding Championship — Doyle has the kind of experience and resilience that could serve him well in the Premier League. And if Guardiola gives him the same trust he showed to James McAtee or Nico O’Reilly last summer, Doyle could become the latest academy product to break through.
In a transfer market where prices are skyrocketing, Callum Doyle could save City a fortune while providing the energy, technical skill, and flexibility needed to refresh the defensive unit. Whether City spend big or promote from within, one thing is clear: this summer will be pivotal in shaping the next chapter of Guardiola’s reign.
