Hansi Flick actively pushes Manchester City star to join Barcelona with personal persuasion amid accelerating negotiations.
With Andreas Christensen sidelined by a partial ACL tear and Ronald Araújo’s recent absence, the German coach insists on immediate action to sustain title challenges across La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Champions League.
Barcelona’s sporting directors are evaluating feasible deals, prioritizing left-footed profiles with elite ball-playing ability amid financial constraints post-João Cancelo’s return from Al-Hilal.
Flick’s system demands defensive balance, and recent improvisations like deploying Gerard Martín centrally underscore the crisis.
A winter move could unlock Pau Cubarsí from excessive creative burdens while boosting competition.
The coveted Manchester City star is none other than Nathan Aké, the 30-year-old Dutch international whose tactical intelligence perfectly fits Flick’s high-pressing blueprint, as reported by Fichajes.
Aké’s left-footed precision addresses Barcelona’s glaring gap in natural left-center-back options, offering versatility as a full-back too.
His short and long-range passing would elevate build-up play, complementing stalwarts like Araújo and Eric García upon returns.
At Manchester City, limited minutes—mere 695 across 16 substitute-heavy appearances—frustrate the €45m-rated defender, whose deal runs to 2027 but carries a €10-15m valuation.
Guardiola’s caution stems from injuries to Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol, yet Barcelona senses an opening.
Laporta’s regime eyes this as a bargain amid wage cap hurdles, potentially enabled by squad exits or Christensen’s salary relief.
Aké’s Premier League pedigree promises immediate impact, aiding La Masía youths in a congested spring schedule.
Flick’s clarity with Deco aligns boardroom ambitions: hierarchy over makeshift fixes. Success hinges on unlocking registration funds swiftly.
Should Aké materialize, Barcelona’s defensive revamp accelerates, reigniting domestic supremacy dreams.
The January window’s first marquee tug-of-war unfolds.
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