Barcelona handed golden chance to sign versatile Man City star

Barcelona handed golden chance to sign versatile Man City star

Barcelona could be presented with a timely market opportunity this summer, with Nathan Ake emerging as a realistic defensive option for Hansi Flick’s system.

According to a report from SPORT, the Dutch defender is seriously considering leaving Manchester City, opening the door for clubs already monitoring his situation, including Barcelona.

From a tactical point of view, this is the kind of profile Barcelona are actively searching for.

Flick wants defenders who are comfortable on the ball, flexible in positioning, and reliable in different systems. Ake fits that idea well.

He is naturally a centre-back, but he can also operate as a left-back and can also play in midfield, which gives managers extra options during a season.

Man City exit looming

Despite being part of a successful Manchester City squad, Ake has not been a regular starter under Pep Guardiola.

He has featured across multiple competitions, but his role has been more rotational than central.

That lack of consistent minutes has already attracted attention from several clubs, especially during the winter window when his situation first became a topic in the market.

Nathan Ake wants to leave Manchester City. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Barcelona were among those who looked at him earlier, even exploring the idea of a short-term deal to strengthen the defence.

Now, with the player more open to leaving, the opportunity looks more concrete. The club are still prioritising Alessandro Bastoni as their main target, but they are also preparing alternatives in case that move proves too difficult.

A versatile option

This is where Ake stands out. His ability to play in more than one position makes him a practical signing, especially for a squad that needs depth without overspending.

Under Flick, players like Eric Garcia have already shown how useful versatility can be, and Ake offers a similar level of flexibility with more experience at the highest level.

Another important factor is cost. With a contract running until 2027, Ake is not out of reach financially.

Reports suggest his market value is around €15 million, which makes him an affordable option compared to other defenders on Barcelona’s shortlist.

For a player with Premier League and international experience, that price could be seen as a smart deal.