Manchester City defender open to Barcelona move in January

Barcelona are looking at potential emergency solutions on the transfer market for their ailing defence. Hansi Flick has just six fit defenders that he can rely on until at least April, the earliest point when Andreas Christensen could return to action.

The Blaugrana will have a limited ability to sign players, as they remain over their salary limit. Hence they will likely have to rely on the emergency injury rule, allowing them to use 80% of the salary limit space taken by Christensen’s salary to register someone until the end of the season.

Nathan Ake open to Barcelona move

One of the players that has been offered to Barcelona is reportedly Manchester City’s Nathan Ake. The Dutch defender is keen to leave City in January in order to get more minutes, and make it into the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup. As per Diario AS, Ake is open to a move to Barcelona on loan.

Manchester City stance

However as things stand, a move for Ake looks difficult. Not only are Manchester City keen to include Ake in a potential deal for Antoine Semenyo, but their preference is to sell Ake on a permanent deal. Barcelona on the other hand would only consider a loan deal, as explained by Sport.

What is clear to Marc-André ter Stegen is that he will not accept to leave for exotic adventures, nor offers from Turkish football. He's only willing to leave if he can join a top club. Right now, he's not worried about the World Cup issue. [@sport] pic.twitter.com/FyhFg6eHDC

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) December 27, 2025

Ake: A fit for Barcelona

There is little doubt that Ake would fit the bill for the Blaugrana, if they could find a way to make the deal happen. Flick has been keen to bring in a left-footed option, and Ake is experienced at the top level, having won the Premier six times and the Champions League with City. The 30-year-old can also operate at left-back, giving Barcelona a certain versatility.

Currently, Flick is using Gerard Martin in central defence, but that leaves Alejandro Balde as the only natural option at left-back.

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