Barcelona handed timely boost as defensive target opens door for January exit | OneFootball

Nathan Ake has emerged as a serious option for Barcelona in recent days, and a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo has offered an encouraging update for the Catalan club. 

With Barcelona actively searching for defensive reinforcements, the Dutch defender’s situation at Manchester City is being closely analysed.

According to the report, Ake could be open to a January move due to his lack of consistent minutes this season. 

Despite being a trusted squad player under Pep Guardiola, the 30-year-old has not enjoyed the regular role he desires. 

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Ake is keen to protect his place with the Netherlands national team, and securing more game time has become a clear priority.

Barcelona a strong option

This context has caught Barcelona’s attention. The club is said to be seriously considering a move for Ake, either on loan or on a loan deal that includes an option to buy at the end of the season. 

Nathan Ake could leave Manchester City. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, from a sporting perspective, Ake ticks several important boxes. 

He is a versatile defender who can operate both as a left-sided centre-back and as a left-back, a quality that is highly valued given Barcelona’s thin squad and demanding fixture list. 

His tactical education under Guardiola is another major plus, as it suggests he would adapt quickly to Barcelona’s possession-based and positional style of play.

It is known that Barcelona’s need for defensive depth has become urgent. Ronald Araujo is currently unavailable, while Andreas Christensen has suffered an injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season. 

As such, several centre-backs have been linked with Barcelona in recent weeks, including Nicolas Otamendi, Stefan de Vrij, and Marcos Senesi. 

Ake now joins that shortlist as a particularly attractive option due to his experience, flexibility, and immediate readiness.