Manuel Akanji Shuts Down Manchester City Transfer Talk as Serie A Title Nears

Manchester City loanee Manuel Akanji has ruled out any possibility of a January return to the Etihad Stadium, despite Pep Guardiola’s side grappling with a deepening defensive injury crisis.

City are currently without both Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias, with the pair expected to spend months on the sidelines due to a fractured leg and a hamstring injury respectively. Their absences have forced Guardiola into relying on less experienced defensive options during a turbulent run of results.

The centre-back pairing of Abdukodir Khusanov and Max Alleyne struggled in defeats to Manchester United and Bodo/Glimt, underlining the fragility in City’s back line. Elsewhere, Nico O’Reilly has been shuffled between positions, while Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rico Lewis have failed to convince at right-back.

Although the January arrival of Marc Guehi for £20 million has provided some relief, speculation had surfaced over a potential recall of Akanji, who is currently on loan at Inter. However, the Switzerland international has categorically dismissed that idea.

“No, there was no possibility of me returning to [Manchester] City,” Akanji told Inter’s official website ahead of their Champions League clash with Arsenal.

When asked about his long-term future, the defender added: “The earlier question was about whether I’d return in the winter and I said no. What happens at the end of the season is not only up to me, but I’m very happy here and I hope it can continue. We’ll see what happens.”

Inter are now expected to trigger a £15 million purchase option included in Akanji’s loan deal, with the defender playing a key role in their pursuit of a 21st Serie A title. Simone Inzaghi’s side currently sit top of the table, holding a three-point lead over AC Milan after 21 matches.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a decorated career across Europe, rising through the ranks at FC Winterthur and FC Basel before making his name at Borussia Dortmund. His move to Manchester City followed, where he lifted the UEFA Champions League, two Premier League titles, and the FA Cup under Guardiola.

With Guardiola’s own future beyond this season uncertain, and Akanji thriving in Italy, all signs point towards the defender’s Etihad chapter coming to a definitive close.

Conclusion

Manuel Akanji has made his stance clear: a January return to Manchester City is not happening. As City continue to battle defensive instability, Inter are poised to secure the Swiss international permanently, potentially ending his time at the Etihad for good while strengthening their Serie A title charge.

FAQ

• Q: Can Manuel Akanji return to Manchester City in January?
  A: No. Akanji has confirmed there was no possibility of a January return.
• Q: Which club is Manuel Akanji currently playing for?
  A: He is on loan at Inter Milan.
• Q: Will Inter sign Akanji permanently?
  A: Inter are expected to trigger a £15 million buy option at the end of the season.
• Q: Why are Manchester City struggling defensively?
  A: Injuries to key defenders such as Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol have forced Guardiola to rely on inexperienced options.
• Q: Is Akanji happy at Inter?
  A: Yes. He has stated that he is very happy at the club and hopes his stay will continue.