Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is considering his future after Galatasaray matched the Premier League champions’ £15 million valuation ($20.1m). The Switzerland international, who played a key role in Pep Guardiola's side’s treble success, faces competition for game time as the Catalan tactician looks to trim his squad options before the transfer window closes.
- Galatasaray meet £15m valuation for Akanji
- Guardiola keen to trim large City squad
- Akanji weighing options after losing starting role
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Galatasaray have lodged a £15m bid for Akanji, which City are prepared to accept. The Turkish champions are also keen on Ederson and remain interested in Ilkay Gundogan. Akanji, who joined from Dortmund in 2022, now has a decision to make before the September 1 deadline, as per .
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- AFP
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Guardiola currently has nine defenders available, six of whom can operate centrally. Akanji’s path at right-back is blocked by Rico Lewis, who is close to signing a new long-term deal despite interest from Nottingham Forest. With such depth, Guardiola feels trimming the squad is necessary to maintain morale and streamline the selection process.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The Switzerland international has been an important figure since arriving at the Etihad, featuring heavily in City's treble campaign. However, he was an unused substitute in City’s opening-day win at Wolves, as was Gundogan. Elsewhere, Claudio Echeverri has been sent on loan to Bayer Leverkusen, while other youngsters have departed on temporary or permanent deals.
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- AFP
WHAT NEXT FOR AKANJI?
The Switzerland international will weigh up his options in the coming days, with Galatasaray pushing to secure his signature before the window closes. If he departs, Guardiola will still have plenty of defensive depth to rely on for City’s title push. For Akanji, regular minutes in Turkey may prove too tempting to turn down.
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