The center back that Flick wants to strengthen Barcelona's defense

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21/01/26 21:00:00

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The winter transfer market has awakened with a strategic move that places FC Barcelona in pursuit of an old desire for their defense. The Barcelona sporting direction has set its sights on Nathan Aké, the left-footed center-back whom Hansi Flick considers essential to balance their defensive line.

With the need for a specialist in the left profile, the German coach sees in the Dutch international the missing piece in his tactical setup. Currently, the Catalan club is assessing the feasibility of the operation, conditioned by the recent investment made in bringing Joao Cancelo back from Al Hilal. The goal is to add hierarchy to a rotation that has suffered due to injuries and the absence of a natural left-footed center-back.

Hansi Flick's desire to strengthen FC Barcelona

The Barça coach has been very clear with the board in requesting a specific profile that combines international experience with excellent ball distribution. FC Barcelona understands that Aké's versatility, capable of performing as a center-back or full-back, would provide immediate solutions to their current defensive issues.

For Flick, having a 30-year-old player who excels in short and long passes would allow Pau Cubarsí to be relieved of all creative responsibility. In recent matches, the coach has had to improvise with Gerard Martín in the heart of defense, an emergency solution that needs correcting. Aké's arrival would raise internal competition among established names like Ronald Araujo and Eric García in a crucial phase of the season.

Nathan Aké's contractual situation at Manchester City

From Manchester's offices, Pep Guardiola's stance is cautious following recent absences of Rúben Dias and Josko Gvardiol against Chelsea. Despite not being a regular starter, Nathan Aké is a valuable asset that City is reluctant to release amid an injury crisis. However, the player has only accumulated 695 minutes so far this season, having featured in 16 games mostly as a substitute. This lack of regular play is what FC Barcelona is leveraging to convince the player to seek a new professional challenge in the Spanish league.

With a contract valid until the summer of 2027, his market value ranges between €10 and €15 million, an affordable figure. For the entity presided over by Joan Laporta, this price represents a unique market opportunity to incorporate a top-level European defender. The operation could materialize in January if there is any departure in the current squad or be postponed as an absolute priority for the summer transfer window.

The tactical impact of a left-footed defender at Camp Nou

The lack of a center-back who naturally dominates the left profile has limited FC Barcelona's options in building play. The Dutch defender stands out for his tactical intelligence and ability to anticipate movements, qualities that align with Flick's high-pressure style. His experience in the Premier League brings a competitive edge that would help La Masía's young talents continue progressing securely. If the transfer is finalized, the club would address one of the most urgent issues in the sports planning set by the German coaching staff.

FC Barcelona continues working behind the scenes to unlock the necessary wage cap that allows the registration of new quality reinforcements this month. The harmony between the coach and the technical management is absolute regarding the name of Nathan Aké to make a definitive quality leap. The outcome of this negotiation will shape the ambitions of the Blaugrana in their quest to regain the throne of Spanish football.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El central que quiere Flick para reforzar la defensa del Barcelona