6 days ago
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With Barcelona now set to complete the re-signing of Joao Cancelo on loan until the end of the season, plans in the transfer market are beginning to take clearer shape.
One of the immediate consequences of Cancelo’s return is the near-total collapse of Barcelona’s chances of signing Nathan Ake, a move that had been explored in recent weeks.
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As reported before, Barcelona had been actively searching for defensive reinforcement, with a particular focus on a left-footed centre-back.
In that context, Ake’s name naturally came up, as the Dutch international fits the profile Barça were looking for.
Moreover, his situation at Manchester City made him appear, at least initially, as a possible market opportunity.
Ake has not enjoyed consistent minutes this season, something that raised eyebrows given his importance in recent campaigns.
Now, with the World Cup approaching next summer, the defender is keen to play regularly to ensure he arrives in peak condition.
Ake’s move to Barcelona is now impossible. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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That desire for minutes is what placed him on the radar of Deco, who considered a loan move until the end of the season as a potential solution.
Things have changed at City
However, Barcelona were always aware that the operation would be extremely complex. This is because City were never keen on a temporary exit.
Their stance was clear that they would only consider a permanent transfer, and for a fee in the region of €25 million.
As reported by SPORT, any remaining hopes have been completely squashed as during the weekend clash against Chelsea, Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were forced off injured.
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Pep Guardiola later admitted that neither injury looked promising. With two key defenders sidelined, Ake’s role at Manchester City is set to grow significantly in the coming weeks.
That development has effectively ended any remaining possibility of a move to Barcelona.
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