Kodi Gakpo of the Netherlands celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between the Netherlands and Finland at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on October 12, 2025. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Barcelona are preparing for a move in January to strengthen their backline and have expressed interest in signing Nathan Ake from Manchester City.
The Catalan giants are considering signing Manchester City’s Nathan Ake. With Andreas Christensen’s injury leaving a hole at centre-back, Ake, a versatile left-footed defender, has emerged as a likely option.
Man City could release Nathan Ake
Manchester City welcome the offer. Ake’s playing time is tight due to intense competition from Josep Guardiola’s defence, so both a loan and a permanent transfer will be considered in January.
According to officials, catch off side Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham are also keen and Premier League clubs are thought to be likely to seek a permanent deal, but Barcelona’s priority is a loan.
Financially, City’s acquisition price for Ake is thought to be around 30-35 million euros. Barcelona’s leeway is limited based on Financial Fair Play, making a loan with an option to buy the most viable route.
Ake’s future will be decided in January, but it will be interesting to see how he ends up.
Can Barcelona sign Ake?
Barcelona’s loan approach would go head-to-head with a permanent transfer offer from England, but the outcome will depend on the player’s wishes and City’s plans for the centre-back.
Manchester City may prefer to sell the player on a permanent basis. That would allow them to reinvest that money into their squad. They are in the middle of a title fight and need to improve their team during the January period.
Arsenal are in great form and Manchester City need to raise their performance level if they want to win the league title this season.
Meanwhile, Ake will also decide to play regularly. While the opportunity to move to Barcelona may be exciting for the player, he must choose his next destination carefully. If he is allowed to play regular matches in England, he should aim to continue in the Premier League.
