Bombshell! He says goodbye to Pep Guardiola to sign for Barça in January

The winter transfer window usually brings few surprises, but this year Barça and Manchester City could be the exception that proves the rule. Hansi Flick's team are recovering their form after a complicated start to the season, with injuries and defensive frailty as the main issues. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has successfully completed City's rebuild and is once again fighting for the Premier League title.

Although there is a certain calm around both teams, everything could change in a few days with the arrival of the January transfer window. Hansi Flick has already publicly acknowledged that Barça are studying the addition of a new center-back, because injuries have left the team very short in that area. What is striking is that the chosen one could arrive directly from Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola loses a piece: Barça detect a market opportunity

At the Etihad, Nathan Aké is going through a difficult time. The Dutch defender is one of the most versatile defenders in the current squad, capable of playing as a center-back, full-back, and even as a holding midfielder in case of emergency. But his role under Pep Guardiola is not the desired one, and his continuity is hanging in the air.

Between injuries and a lack of consistency, Aké has barely had any minutes this season. The Premier League's own records show that his appearances have been scarce, with participation mostly coming from the bench. That lack of continuity, in a key year, is pushing him to look for an immediate exit.

Nathan Aké offers himself to Barça and the deal starts to take shape

That's why his departure in January is starting to look like a reality. Nathan Aké wants a new team where he can compete more regularly and not remain stuck in a secondary role. In that context, he has offered himself to Barça as a realistic option to strengthen the defense in the middle of the winter transfer window.

The Catalan club are studying it calmly. Flick's idea is to add a center-back who can compete from day one, but without mortgaging the future or compromising the wage bill. Aké fits because of his experience, his left-footed profile, and his ability to adapt to different tactical setups.

The key will be the formula and the price. Some reports suggest that Barça could complete the signing for an amount between 5 and 10 million, as long as Manchester City make the deal easier. A loan with a purchase option is also being considered, depending on how the negotiation evolves.