Man City’s financial demands seriously damage Barcelona’s plans for 30-year-old defender | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for a short-term solution at the centre-back position is gathering pace, with the club scanning the market for an experienced option who can stabilise the defence during the second half of the season. 

The preference is a left-footed centre-back who can slot in immediately and suit Hansi Flick’s tactical demands.

One of the names discussed internally in recent weeks is Nathan Ake. 

The Manchester City defender ticks several boxes for Barcelona, particularly in terms of profile, experience, and ability on the ball. 

However, turning interest into a realistic operation is proving to be far from straightforward.

There are many challenges

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester City are not keen on sanctioning a loan move. 

Instead, the Premier League side is prioritising a permanent transfer, with a fee in the region of €15–20 million. 

That figure alone already complicates matters for Barça, especially when Ake’s sizeable salary is also factored into the equation.

Barcelona are interested in Nathan Ake. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

From the player’s perspective, he has seen his minutes drop noticeably this season, and with the FIFA World Cup approaching, regular game time has become a priority. 

A move where he can play consistently, therefore, would be welcomed.

That said, contractual realities work strongly in City’s favour. Ake is tied to the club until 2027, meaning there is no urgency for the English side to sell. 

With over a year remaining on his deal and no pressure to offload him, City can afford to be firm on their valuation and conditions.

Financial margins

Another major hurdle for Barcelona lies in financial fair play. Any permanent deal would require the transfer fee to be amortised alongside Ake’s wages, significantly impacting the club’s already tight salary cap. 

This raises serious doubts about Barça’s ability to complete an operation of this size in January.

Interest in Ake is not limited to Spain. The defender has several admirers within the Premier League, although his price puts him beyond the reach of many clubs. 

For now, he remains on Barcelona’s shortlist, but the path to a deal is clearly complicated.