Nathan Aké’s future at Manchester City is once again drawing attention ahead of the summer transfer window, with Barcelona still keeping the Dutch defender firmly on their shortlist as they prepare to reshape parts of Hansi Flick’s squad.
The Spanish champions are expected to strengthen at centre-back and in attack once the season ends, and according to reports in Spain, Aké remains one of the names under serious consideration. It is not the first time Barcelona have looked at the Manchester City defender, and it may not be the last, but any move looks far from straightforward.
While Aké’s role at the Etihad has shifted this season, City are understood to have no intention of making negotiations easy — particularly with a club they still view as a direct European competitor.
Barcelona remain attentive as Aké’s City role changes
Aké has often been one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted defensive options since arriving from Bournemouth in 2020, valued as much for his tactical intelligence as his reliability across multiple positions.
Yet this campaign has been noticeably different.
The Netherlands international has struggled to establish the same consistency in City’s starting XI, featuring for 1,445 minutes across 29 appearances in all competitions and starting just four Premier League matches. Injuries have played their part, but squad competition and tactical reshuffling have also reduced his regular involvement.
That drop in prominence has naturally fuelled speculation over whether this summer could represent the right moment for both player and club to consider a change.
Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo, see an opportunity.
The Catalan side are believed to value Aké’s experience, positional flexibility and familiarity with elite-level football, particularly as Flick looks to build a back line capable of competing deep into the Champions League again.
Manchester City unwilling to soften their position
If Barcelona were hoping Aké’s reduced role would make this a simple deal, that does not appear to be the case.
Reports in Spain suggest Manchester City are unwilling to lower their valuation, despite the defender entering the final stages of his prime and despite his role being less prominent than in previous seasons.
The reasoning appears straightforward: City do not want to strengthen a Champions League rival at a discounted price.
That stance has become increasingly common among Europe’s elite clubs, particularly when the buying club operates at the same level in continental competition.
Aké still has a contract until 2027, which leaves City in a strong negotiating position and removes any immediate pressure to sell.
| Stat (2025/26) | Nathan Aké |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 29 |
| Minutes played | 1,445 |
| Premier League starts | 4 |
| Contract expiry | 2027 |
source: competition data – 8 May 2026
Those numbers paint a fairly balanced picture. Aké has remained involved, but not as centrally as in previous campaigns, which often becomes the tipping point for experienced players weighing their next move.
Having followed City’s defensive rotation closely this season, Guardiola has clearly leaned on different combinations depending on opposition and availability, and that has left certain squad players facing bigger decisions about their future.
However, much will depend on City’s own transfer plans before any exit becomes realistic.
Key Insights
- Barcelona remain interested in Nathan Aké ahead of the summer window
- Manchester City are unwilling to reduce their asking price
- Aké has started only four Premier League matches this season
- Juventus and Roma are also monitoring his situation
- City’s view of Barcelona as a European rival complicates negotiations
What’s next?
Barcelona’s defensive shortlist is expected to become clearer once their domestic campaign concludes, but Aké’s name is unlikely to disappear from it anytime soon. The bigger question may be whether Manchester City are willing to entertain offers at all, especially if Guardiola wants to maintain experienced depth in defence.
Much will depend on City’s incoming business and Aké’s own desire for more regular football. At 31, the next move could be one of the most important of his career, particularly with major international football still ahead.
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