Another busy summer has occurred at Manchester City. After last season’s woes, the Cityzens had somewhat of a rebuild this summer. Signings such as Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, James Trafford and Rayan Ait Nouri have all arrived at the Etihad on permanent deals.
On the other hand, there have been multiple departures. Long serving players Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker all left at the end of their contracts, to Napoli and Burnley respectively. James McAtee and Yan Couto also depearted on permanent deals for sizeable fees. City aren’t done there, though, with another departure in the pipeline.
Manchester City Defender Interesting European Giants
According to Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan have enquired about Manchester City defender, Manuel Akanji.
The Switzerland international is one of three names on the Italian side’s shortlist for a new centre back. This news comes after Galatasaray were reported to have agreed a £15 million fee for the defender with Manchester City. However, Akanji has not yet agreed personal terms with the Turkish champions. There has been no formal bid from AC Milan yet.
Manchester City started the season like a house on fire. Pep Guardiola’s side look to right the wrongs of last season after a first trophyless season since 2016/2017. A four-nil win at Molinuex against Wolverhampton Wanderers sparked conversations that City could be back to their brilliant best. However, a two nil loss at home to Tottenham Hotspurs followed, dampening the mood in Manchester.
Akanji’s City Career To Date
Akanji signed for Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in September 2022 for a reported fee of £15 million. He was voted the club’s player of the month for October, beating the likes of Erling Haaland to the award. In May 2023, the Swiss international scored his first goal for the club. A header against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals ensured City reached the Champions League final for the 2nd time in 3 years.
During his first season, Akanji played more minutes than any other defender as the Cityzens won the Premier League for the third time running.
In the 2023/2024 season, Akanji played another important role as City remained Premier League champions for a fourth straight season.
After falling out of favour last season, the defender is on his way out of the Etihad this summer in search of regular game time.
A move to either Galatasaray or AC Milan before next week’s deadline is seen as highly likely. The Swiss centre back will add quality and experience to both sides as Galatasaray aim to go far in the Champions League and Milan look to vastly improve on last season’s disappointing eight placed finish.
Both moves will provide Akanji with the regular game time he is looking for as he enters the final years of his career. City look to breakeven on any sale they make for Akanji, after originally signing him for £15 million.