Manuel Akanji Targets Premier League Switch Amid AC Milan and Galatasaray Interest

Transfer background

The Switzerland international has attracted sustained attention across Europe during the ongoing transfer window. Serie A heavyweights AC Milan and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur have both tested Manchester City’s stance in recent days, while Turkish champions Galatasaray earlier explored the possibility of a wider package that included Akanji alongside Ederson and İlkay Gündoğan.

Why Milan’s opening offer was rejected

Although City accepted an initial approach from AC Milan, sources report that Akanji turned down Milan’s opening contract proposal. The decision was driven by personal priorities — notably a desire to continue competing in the UEFA Champions League — which shaped his negotiations and led him to seek alternatives more closely aligned with those ambitions.

Akanji now targeting England

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Akanji is targeting a move to another Premier League side this summer. With a blend of experience, tactical versatility and immediate readiness, he is seen as an attractive short-term reinforcement for English clubs seeking defensive solidity. For City, selling domestically carries the double-edged consequence of strengthening a rival while potentially commanding a higher transfer fee than overseas options.

What Manchester City must consider

Pep Guardiola’s side face a delicate balancing act: reintegrate a proven defender into the squad if no suitable offer arrives, or cash in and refresh the backline. City’s recruitment team have indicated openness to negotiation, but any sale — particularly to a fellow Premier League club — would be judged against squad depth, strategic priorities and the risk of strengthening a rival.

What happens next

The final hours of the window will be decisive. If no Champions League-level suitor emerges, Akanji may ultimately have to choose between the competitive appeal of staying in England and the financial/cultural packages offered by clubs like AC Milan or Galatasaray. His decision is likely to influence not only his own career trajectory but also City’s defensive planning heading into the new season.

FAQs

• Why is Akanji leaving City? He is exploring opportunities for regular minutes and wants to continue competing at the highest European level, particularly in the Champions League.
• Which clubs are interested? AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Galatasaray have been prominently linked, while other Premier League clubs are reported to be monitoring the situation.
• Did Akanji reject Milan? Yes — reports indicate he turned down Milan’s initial contract terms despite City accepting their opening package.
• Could he stay at Manchester City? Yes. If no acceptable move materialises, Guardiola could retain him and reintegrate him into the defensive group.
• What are the risks for City? Selling within the Premier League risks strengthening a rival, though it may deliver a higher fee than offers from abroad.

Conclusion

Manuel Akanji’s next move remains finely poised as the transfer window reaches its closing stages. His preference for a Premier League destination — coupled with Champions League ambitions — complicates the market for Manchester City, who must weigh financial returns against sporting impact. With time running out, Akanji’s decision will be one of the defining transfer storylines of the summer and could have immediate implications for City’s defensive shape this season.