Football transfer watch: Manchester City’s hefty price tag for Nathan Ake leaves Barca in a fix
Manchester, Dec. 28 – FC Barcelona’s efforts to shore up a struggling back line have hit a stumbling block. The Spanish club’s bid to bring Dutch centre‑back Nathan Ake into the squad has been stalled by a steep price tag set by his current team, Manchester City.
Barcelona have been dealing with a number of defensive shortcomings during the first half of the campaign and have been aggressively targeting reinforcement in the January transfer window. Ake, a left‑footed defender who can comfortably slot in at centre‑back or left‑back, appears to fit the tactical profile the Catalan outfit needs.
Despite his international credentials and versatility, Ake has yet to secure a regular starting spot under Pep Guardiola. His interest in moving to Barcelona grew when reports surfaced that the Dutch international was keen to leave the Old Trafford side and was attracted to the prospect of playing in La Liga.
Multiple Premier League clubs have turned in inquiries for Ake, driving up his valuation and complicating any potential move. Sources say Manchester City is only willing to let him depart if the bid exceeds €25 million. With his contract extending until 2027, City see the January window as the optimal moment to secure a clear exit and avoid losing negotiating leverage down the road.
Barcelona’s financial environment adds another layer of difficulty. The club faces strict fiscal controls and uncertain salary‑cap regulations, making an €25 million outlay a significant strain. Management officials reportedly remain uncertain about how to reconcile this fee with the club’s budgetary constraints.
Given these hurdles, Barcelona is likely to explore alternative short‑term solutions to reinforce their defence in the interim.
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