Barcelona Circles as City Star Nathan Aké Hints at Exit After Cup Win
24 March 2026
Background and Current Situation
A Manchester City star hinted at leaving the club in the coming summer transfer window, opening the door for Barcelona, which has him on its radar for next season.
Following City's 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, the Dutch defender signaled that this cup victory could be his final appearance in City colors.
The 31 year old has long been a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola's side since arriving from Bournemouth in 2020, featuring in 172 matches for the club.
But a string of injuries and his reduced playing time this season have fueled rumors about his future.
Aké has found himself on the fringe, starting only four of his 14 Premier League appearances.
He remains under contract with City until 2027, but hinted his future could lie away from the Etihad after helping win the Carabao Cup.
He admitted he is uncertain about his future at Manchester City beyond this season.
In an interview with a Dutch daily during international duty, he said there are no certainties, but the cup win could be a fitting finale. Guardiola praised him and reflected on six years together.
As he contemplates his next step, Sport reports Barcelona's long standing interest in signing Aké.
With City potentially seeking to bolster defense and balance its finances, selling him in the summer of 2026 is seen as a realistic option for all parties; Barcelona's sporting director Deco is known to admire him.
The broader context is that this transfer talk sits amid a crossroads for City in the upcoming offseason.
Punchline: If rumors paid the mortgage, this article would own a stadium.
Punchline 2: Barcelona, if you are reading this, sign him before City starts feeding the rumor mill with popcorn.
