Aké too expensive as Barcelona hold back: City only willing to sell permanently
Barcelona have set their sights on Nathan Aké as they look to bolster their defensive ranks. The 30-year-old Manchester City centre-back has found himself on the fringes of Pep Guardiola’s plans this season and is keen for regular minutes to avoid jeopardising his chances of making the Netherlands squad for the next World Cup.
The Blaugrana are in urgent need of an experienced, ready-made defender to cover for the significant absences of Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen. However, according to Mundo Deportivo, the deal is far from straightforward. The main obstacles are City’s demands and the player’s contractual situation.
Manchester City, with Aké tied down until 2027, are only prepared to consider a permanent transfer, rather than a loan. The defender is valued at around €20m, while his high wages pose an additional problem for Barcelona’s already stretched finances.
At present, the Barça hierarchy are running the numbers to assess whether a move is economically viable. Aké remains the preferred option thanks to his experience and versatility, but the financial sustainability of the deal is the key factor standing between the Dutch defender and a move to Catalonia.
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