Manuel Akanji Set to Leave Man City as Exit Deal Takes Shape

Manuel Akanji is allegedly close to finalizing a move to Serie A powerhouse Inter, putting an end to the whirlwind of transfer rumors surrounding the Swiss central defender.

Possible destinations for the departing Manchester City player were dismissed as rapidly as new ones surfaced. Originally linked with Galatasaray, discussions then shifted to a potential Premier League switch to either Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham United before AC Milan were mentioned as having interest in the adaptable defender.

According to recent reports from Sky Italia, Akanji will make San Siro his new home next season, though he is expected to wear blue and black stripes instead of red and black.

Inter are believed to have secured an initial loan deal for Akanji with an option to purchase permanently next summer for €15 million (£13 million, $17.5 million). Cristian Chivu's team will also cover an initial €2 million loan fee.

These suggested figures would constitute a small financial loss for City, who acquired Akanji from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for €20 million. The intelligent right-footed defender made an immediate impression at the Etihad—"He demonstrated what an excellent central defender Manchester City just acquired," Pep Guardiola praised after his debut—and concluded that first season with a Champions League victory over Inter to secure a European treble.

Able to play in all four defensive positions, Akanji continued as a key player under Guardiola during the 2023–24 season before injuries disrupted his involvement throughout the previous campaign. The 30-year-old was absent for 19 matches across all competitions as City experienced Guardiola's most challenging season in charge.

The Spanish manager has supervised a comprehensive squad overhaul at City during the last six months, bringing in several new, younger talents to the Etihad. Nevertheless, these arrivals must be offset by departures to prevent squad overcrowding. As Guardiola cautioned at the conclusion of last season: "I told the club I don't want that [a larger squad]. I don't want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don't want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay."