Barcelona have been presented with an unexpected opportunity to strengthen their back line in January, with reports indicating that Manchester City have offered the Catalan club the chance to sign Dutch defender Nathan Aké.

According to Fichajes, the La Liga champions are assessing whether a move for the experienced City defender could help address their growing defensive issues as the season enters a decisive phase.

Aké has found regular starts harder to come by at Man City this season, largely due to Pep Guardiola’s deep defensive rotation.

While the 30-year-old remains a trusted squad member, his role has often been that of a reliable option rather than a first-choice starter.

Across all competitions, Aké has featured in 13 matches so far, with many of his minutes coming in domestic cup competitions rather than the Premier League.

Nathan Aké offered chance to make Barcelona move

Despite that, his standing at international level underlines his quality. Aké has actually made more starts for the Netherlands than he has in the Premier League this campaign.

His versatility is a major asset. Primarily a centre-back, he is also comfortable operating as a left-back, and has even been used in a hybrid role within Guardiola’s system.

That adaptability is exactly what appeals to Barcelona, who are currently short of defensive depth.

Injuries to key players such as Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Koundé have left Barcelona stretched at the back as they battle with Real Madrid for the La Liga title.

With multiple competitions still in play, the need for an experienced and dependable defender has become increasingly urgent.

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Man City star can benefit from move to La Liga

Aké’s contract at the Etihad Stadium runs until the summer of 2027, which means City are under no immediate pressure to sell. However, that timeline could also work in Barcelona’s favour.

Rather than paying a premium, the Spanish giants may be able to negotiate a cut-price deal, particularly if City are open to reshaping their squad and Aké is seeking a more prominent role elsewhere.

From Barcelona’s perspective, a player of Aké’s profile represents low risk. At 30, he still has several good years left at the top level, brings Champions League experience, and would add leadership to a relatively young defensive unit.

Aké could emerge as a pragmatic solution to Barcelona’s defensive concerns as they push for domestic and European success.

Man City offer their playmaker in swap deal for Harry Gray 

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Manchester City have reportedly offered one of their star players to Bournemouth as they look to beat rivals to the signature of Antoine Semenyo.

Pep Guardiola’s side is seemingly willing to part ways with a key defensive asset to secure the versatile Ghanaian international.

Man City offer Nathan Ake as part of Antoine Semenyo deal

Based on the latest update from transfer insider, Manchester City have officially stepped up their pursuit of Bournemouth’s standout star.

The insider states that City have offered Nathan Ake back to his former club while simultaneously negotiating the specific payment terms for Semenyo.

Taking to X, he said: “Exclusive: Manchester City have offered Nathan Aké to Bournemouth while negotiating payment terms for Antoine Semenyo.”

Exclusive ?

Manchester City have offered Nathan Aké to Bournemouth while negotiating payment terms for Antoine Semenyo. pic.twitter.com/BDUbrW3Xcm

— indykaila News (@indykaila) December 22, 2025

This player-plus-cash proposal is seen as a strategic move to lower the upfront financial burden while providing Bournemouth with an immediate, high-quality replacement in defense.

Semenyo’s stock has risen dramatically this season, with his ability to play across the front line making him a priority target for Pep Guardiola.

Manchester City move to become favourites to land Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo has been strongly linked with Liverpool as well over the past couple of months, with reports previously stating that the Reds are frontrunners to secure his signature.

As per reports, the Reds were in contact with Bournemouth in November through Richard Hughes.

And more recent reports even stated that Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Semenyo, with the player also preferring a move to Anfield.

However, the latest from the likes of Ben Jacobs and David Ornstein suggests that Manchester clubs, in particular Manchester City have overtaken the Reds and are now considered favourites to land Semenyo.

Ake’s career with Man City following 2020 move from Bournemouth

If the move materialises, it would mark an emotional return to the Vitality Stadium for Nathan Ake.

Since joining Manchester City from Bournemouth in 2020 for a reported £41 million, the Dutch international has enjoyed a trophy-laden stint at the Etihad.

He has been a versatile presence for Pep, playing both centre-back as well as left-back. He played a vital role in City’s treble winning campaign and has won a total of nine trophies during his time at the Etihad.

While City fans may be sad to see a reliable performer leave, the lure of Antoine Semenyo’s potential seems too great for the club to pass up.

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