Recent media reports have updated the transfer progress between Barcelona and Manchester City defender Nathan Aké.
Reporters stated that, as previously reported multiple times, Barcelona is searching for attractive and financially viable options in the transfer market to strengthen their central defender position. While waiting for clarity on the situation of Uruguayan center-back Ronald Araújo, the long-term injury absence of Danish center-back Andreas Christensen will affect the team's deployment in the second half of the season—but this situation has precisely freed up a certain amount of wage budget for the club to explore signing a mid-term replacement.
The sports management prioritizes left-footed central defenders, and one of the names that has recently entered Barcelona's sights is Dutch international Nathan Aké. The Manchester City defender has lost his key role under head coach Pep Guardiola this season and would be open to leaving to secure more stable playing time ahead of the next World Cup.
However, according to reporters, this deal is not straightforward. Aké's contract with Manchester City runs until June 2027, with one and a half years remaining, and he earns a high salary at the English club.
Furthermore, Manchester City prefers to consider offers for a permanent transfer rather than a loan. Currently, the club is willing to study relevant proposals, but sources close to the Dutch defender told this newspaper that the transfer fee range is between €15 million and €20 million. This figure still raises doubts about Barcelona's ability to afford such a transfer operation, as from the available wage budget, in addition to the player's salary, the amortized transfer fee must also be included.
Aké has other suitors in the Premier League, although his price tag is not affordable for many clubs. As reported earlier, Barcelona is exploring all possible avenues to find market opportunities that can bring immediate impact, and Aké's name, like many others, has been included in the consideration list. In any case, his characteristics match what Barcelona is looking for in a central defender reinforcement: an experienced, left-footed defender with an impressive competitive pedigree—evidenced by the fact that he has won all possible trophies during his time at Manchester City.
