Manchester City’s 30-year-old versatile centre-back, Manuel Akanji has joined Italian side Inter Milan. This is a loan deal with an option to buy.
Who is Inter Milan’s new man Manuel Akanji?
Manuel Akanji has been one of Europe’s most reliable centre-backs. Born in Switzerland in 1995, he began his youth football at FC Winterthur. He signed a permanent transfer to FC Basel in 2015. His reliability in Basel was seen by Borussia Dortmund, and he signed for the German club. He continued to develop in the Bundesliga. In 2022, he made a 17.5 million Euros move to Manchester City. Under Pep Guardiola, Akanji has shown exceptional versatility, proving himself at centre-back, full-back, or even in a hybrid role. He contributed heavily to City’s domination, both domestically and in Europe.
Akanji’s game is based on intelligence rather than pure aggression. He can anticipate situations early, tackles well, and don does not dive in harshly. His strength is his long-range passing, which allows him to break lines and build attacks from back. Physically, he is strong enough and quick as well. This makes him reliable against quick forwards. Akanji’s calm presence and speed brings stability to whichever backline he features in. The 30-year-old had developed into an important player for Manchester City as well as Switzerland national team. Now he has joined Serie A giants Inter Milan on loan.
Deal Details Made Simple
Loan fee: Inter Milan pays around €2 million (roughly £1.7 million) to Manchester City.
Salary: Inter covers almost 85% of Akanji’s wages during the loan.
Buy option: Inter can sign him permanently for about €15 million (or £13 million).
Becomes obligatory: If Akanji features in 50% of Inter Milan’s games and the team emerges with the Serie A title, the purchase needs to be done.
This framework offers City comfort but provides flexibility and incentive for Inter to deliver.
Manuel Akanji in Manchester City:
Akanji joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in September 2022. He appeared in 136 games over three years and established his position in Pep’s team. During his time he won:
Treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the 2022–23 season. Along with this, he won Club World Cup, Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and a further Premier League title.
Even with those achievements, Akanji found his position less guaranteed last term. He still played 33–40 times and recorded a marvelous 92% pass success rate. With strong competition at the back, an enticing fresh start in Italy was a good fit for player and club.
Why Inter Made the Move?
Inter’s need of strengthening the squad came after Benjamin Pavard moved to Marseille, leaving a gap in their defense. After Pavard’s departure, Inter acted quickly and completed Akanji’s deal, beating out rival clubs including AC Milan.
The Swiss defender brings versatility, experience in big matches, and a winning mentality. Inter’s decision shows both ambition and responsibility to grow.
Akanji’s Thoughts and Outlook:
Looking back on the transfer, Akanji broke news that Inter had been interested in signing him three years prior, but he opted for Manchester City instead, hoping for Champions League action. An admirer of the club since boyhood and even emotionally attached to it, he’s relishing the opportunity to return to San Siro again. Today, he hopes to establish himself in Inter’s defense and contribute to challenging for the title.
Author’s Insight:
Overall, this loan suits all parties:
Akanji receives consistent elite football and is able to assist a new club to victory.
Inter Milan strengthen their defense with an established player—while only fully investing if it pays off. Manchester City are clearing space and can get their money back if certain conditions are met.
Akanji now begins a new chapter in his life. If he plays well and Inter prosper, this transfer can turn out to be a thrilling long-term experience at San Siro.
