Barcelona eye January loan move for Manchester City defender, face stiff competition | OneFootball

Barcelona are gearing up for an important January transfer window, with the club reportedly looking for a replacement for Andreas Christensen.

Given the current Financial Fair Play complexities, though, Barcelona have had their hands tied in the market and may only be able to sign players on loan.

But the Catalans are not just looking to sign any centre-back. They ideally want someone who is young and has potential to become even better.

Nathan Ake on Barcelona’s radar

Despite that, Manchester City’s 30-year-old defender Nathan Ake has emerged as one of the players on Barcelona’s radar heading into the January transfer window.

This is according to reports relayed by AS, which suggest that Barça are seriously considering the possibility of signing Ake on a loan deal in January.

Nathan Ake has a point to prove after a disappointing season at Man City. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

While Ake, 30, is not a young player per se, he does offer immense experience at the highest level of football as well as versatility at the back.

Not to mention, the Dutchman has fallen down in the pecking order at Manchester City, which could open the door for a January exit away from Etihad.

Ake’s contract at Man City doesn’t expire until 2027, which means there is a scope for the defender to be loaned out in January.

Barcelona, though, are expected to face stiff competition in the race to sign Ake next month. That is because Premier League clubs such as Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Fulham are also interested in his services.

Ake, for his part, has remained tight-lipped on his future. But a final decision surrounding his fate in January could be made soon. Whether or not that fate brings the Dutchman to Barcelona remains to be seen.