Manchester City are prepared to listen to offers for defender Nathan Aké in the January transfer window, with the Netherlands-Ivorian international’s future now the subject of growing interest from Spain.
Aké, who has family roots in Ivory Coast through his father, has found opportunities limited under Pep Guardiola this season. The 30-year-old has started just one of his eight Premier League appearances, struggling to force his way ahead of City’s established defensive options.
According to reports in Spain, City would be willing to sanction a sale if their valuation of around £21m is met, with Barcelona among the clubs monitoring the situation closely. The Catalan side are actively searching for a new central defender following Andreas Christensen’s anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Ronald Araújo has also been unavailable due to personal and mental health concerns.
Aké’s experience at the highest level, including multiple Premier League titles and Champions League success with City makes him an attractive option for Barcelona as they look for a reliable, short-term solution at the back. His versatility, able to operate both centrally and at left-back, is also seen as a key asset.
However, any deal remains complicated. Barcelona’s ongoing financial difficulties mean even a relatively modest transfer fee could prove challenging, forcing the club to explore creative solutions or player sales before making a formal move.
For City, a potential January exit would mark a shift for a player who has been an important part of Guardiola’s squad in recent seasons. For Aké, whose journey spans Europe and African heritage, the coming weeks could determine whether a new chapter awaits away from the Etihad Stadium.
