Manchester City star Nathan Ake is interested in joining FC Barcelona according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.
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Manchester City star Nathan Ake is interested in joining FC Barcelona according to SPORT, which cited anonymous sources.
Ake, who is able to operate as a left back or centre back, is currently enjoying less playing time than in previous campaigns at the Etihad under Barca legend Pep Guardiola.
Thus far in 2025/2026, the Dutchman has notched just over 700 minutes in all competitions while also starting once in the Premier League as City attempts to wrest back the English top flight title it lost to modern day rivals Liverpool last term.
On December 27 away at Nottingham Forest, Ake was on the bench as Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiola got the nod, only entering the fray with just a minute to spare in the 2-1 win.
Ake is reportedly thinking about how this situation could harm his chances of impressing another Blaugrana icon in Ronald Koeman, who currently leads the Netherlands national team, and convincing the coach to take the 30-year-old to the World Cup set to be held in North America next summer.
Alongside SPORT, journalist Ekrem Konus has confirmed Barca’s interest in Ake, but it has also been explained that City aren’t willing to entertain the kind of loan deal which currently sees an academy graduate of crosstown rivals Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, continuing his career in Catalonia.
Barca doesn’t wish to buy Ake outright or involve him in a part exchange deal, and would only like to take him on for six months temporarily when the transfer window opens in January.
Furthermore, Ake’s contract expires in mid-2027, which means that he would be available for a cut fee ahead of next season.
Mundo Deportivo has also carried the Ake story, and notes that he could ‘adapt quickly to Barca’s associative style and have an immediate performance’ because of his experience at the highest level under the orders of Guardiola.
Ake would serve a number of functions for FC Barcelona
In addition to playing central defense, Ake can provide support to Alejandro Balde for FC Barcelona at left back. At present, Hansi Flick’s primary choices are Balde and Gerard Martin, but the latter has been playing in the heart of the back line with Pau Cubarsi regulalry as one of the squad’s most improved players.
