31-year-old Manchester City defender among low-cost defensive profiles considered by Barcelona | OneFootball

The defense remains one of the areas that FC Barcelona have marked for reinforcement ahead of the 2026-27 season, and they are being linked with several high-profile names for this area, the most prominent of them being the Italian center-back Alessandro Bastoni.

The Inter Milan defender has been linked strongly with the Blaugranes in the last couple of weeks, but the latest reports have generated some doubts about this operation. Meanwhile, the Catalans continue to keep their options open by keeping some other center-backs in their sights as well.

In this context, Mundo Deportivo reports that Nathan Ake of Manchester City remains on Barcelona’s radar. He is not viewed as a priority target, but he is still considered a low-cost option that could provide immediate and reliable coverage in defence.

Ake has seen his importance reduced this season at Manchester City, and there is a growing feeling that he would be open to a change of surroundings, with his current contract running until 2027.

However, Manchester City are not expected to offer any discounts, especially to a direct European rival, which complicates the negotiation from the outset.

From a sporting point of view, his profile fits several of the needs Barcelona are looking for. He is an experienced defender who can deliver at a high level immediately, with solid Premier League and international experience with the Netherlands.

Although he is not particularly tall at around 1.82m, he is strong in aerial duels and stands out for his ability to play out from the back with composure.

At the same time, there are clear obstacles that make the operation far from straightforward. His salary is considered high, which would require a significant financial effort from Barcelona, and City would also demand a strong fee.

The amortisation of the deal would also need to be short-term as the Dutch defender is already 31-years-old, turning what is initially seen as a low-cost opportunity into something more demanding financially.

There is also no shortage of competition for Nathan Ake, as in addition to interest from several Premier League clubs, Ake is being closely followed in Serie A, with AC Milan, Juventus, and AS Roma all monitoring his situation closely ahead of a possible move.