Manchester City brought in Abdukodir Khusanov to compete with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake. Also, they see young Vitor Reis as a long-term option.
So, Manuel Akanji was given the green light to move on. After three years at the Etihad, his time under Pep Guardiola came to an end.
During his stay, he won seven trophies. He was part of the famous treble in 2023 and lifted two Premier League titles.
Nevertheless, City could not guarantee him regular minutes anymore. Therefore, he accepted a loan move on deadline day.
Galatasaray showed interest. But the Swiss international chose Inter Milan instead.
The Serie A giants signed him on a season-long loan with a buy option. That clause becomes mandatory if he plays at least 50% of games and wins the league.
At first, his debut ended in a 4-3 defeat against Juventus. However, he soon found his rhythm under Cristian Chivu.
Akanji has already helped Inter beat Sassuolo and Cagliari in Serie A. Also, he played the full 90 minutes in a Champions League win against Ajax.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter are very happy with Akanji. They are planning to buy him for €15m in the summer of 2026.
Romano adds that unless something unexpected happens, Inter will proceed with their plan to keep him.
Meanwhile, City see the move as smart business. They will get back close to what they paid in 2022 and can focus on their younger defenders.
Dias has signed a new long-term deal. Also, the club want to extend Stones, whose contract ends next summer.
Therefore, Akanji looks set to continue in Italy, while City prepare the next generation to lead their defence.
🚨⚫️🔵 Understand Inter plan to buy Manuel Akanji from Man City in summer 2026 regardless of buy obligation clause.
€15m deal already planned internally unless new factors appear in the next 8 months; Inter very happy with former #MCFC defender.
🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/mnkFAXIIvm pic.twitter.com/OGEhcRYrCj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 28, 2025
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