Overview
- Multiple reports indicate Manchester City will not accept a straight loan for Nathan Aké and prefer a permanent transfer, with a price around €25m and some sources citing €30–35m.
- Barcelona seek a six-month loan with an option to buy due to LaLiga salary-cap limits and are not in position to pay a January fee at City’s valuation.
- Aké is reported to be open to a move for regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham are weighing permanent bids.
- The urgency at Barcelona follows Andreas Christensen’s season-ending injury and Ronald Araújo’s ongoing absence, leaving Hansi Flick short on centre-backs.
- Barcelona continue to monitor longer-term centre-back targets such as Konstantinos Koulierakis and Luka Vuskovic, though January deals for them are viewed as unlikely.