Barcelona keep tabs on Nathan Ake ahead of defensive overhaul

Barcelona are still closely tracking Manchester City defender Nathan Ake as they plan their defensive rebuild for next season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Dutch centre-back remains on their shortlist as a realistic summer option, even though he is not viewed as the club’s absolute priority target.

Ake has slipped down the pecking order at City, and the Premier League champions are open to letting him leave with his contract due to expire in 2027. Barca see him as a potentially affordable signing in terms of transfer fee, but his salary and the risk of a bidding war are seen as possible obstacles, given their ongoing financial restrictions. The 31-year-old is admired in Catalonia for his composure on the ball, strong technique, and ability to defend aggressively in one-on-one situations, as well as his versatility across the back line.

Barcelona are not alone in the race, though, with Serie A sides AC Milan, Juventus and Roma all monitoring Ake’s situation ahead of the window. Any move is likely to depend on how City value the defender and whether Barca can create enough room in their budget to make a serious push.