Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji hits back at Fabrizio Romano over transfer claims | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji has hit back at new reports from Fabrizio Romano concerning his Manchester City future and interest from Galatasaray.

The Swiss international has been at the centre of growing speculation over recent days, with Turkish media and transfer insiders consistently linking him with a move to the reigning Super Lig champions.

Galatasaray have made central defence a priority this summer and see Manuel Akanji as a major target, with Manchester City themselves open to sales as Pep Guardiola looks to reduce the size of his first-team squad.

Over the last week, reports have emerged of Galatasaray executives travelling to the UK to advance negotiations. As detailed by journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, talks were planned with City’s Director of Football Hugo Viana. Previous information also suggested the Istanbul club were preparing a formal offer to the player once terms between the sides were finalised.

These updates came in the wider context of Galatasaray exploring a package deal with City involving multiple players earlier in the summer. Alongside Akanji, Ederson and İlkay Gündoğan were also on the Turkish side’s radar, though developments since then have seen the Swiss defender emerge as the primary focus of discussions.

However, Manuel Akanji has now hit back at claims from Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday, after the Italian journalist had reported that Galatasaray were closing in on agreement with Manchester City for the defender, with a £15 million fee agreed between the two clubs.

In response to the report, the 30-year-old centre-back commented on Instagram, ‘Don’t know anything about that’, before Romano’s Instagram post containing the aforementioned report was deleted.

Romano then issued a follow-up report on X, in which he stated, “After club to club agreement, Galatasaray will make their offer to Manuel Akanji in 24h.

“No proposal on the table to the player yet and currently no indications from Akanji on intention to accept destination. Deal agreed between clubs, but not done with the player yet.”

Akanji’s swift dismissal of Romano’s claims adds fresh uncertainty to the story and raises questions about how advanced negotiations truly are. While City appear willing to sanction his departure if the right bid materialises, the player’s own stance will be crucial in deciding whether a move to Istanbul happens.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has been an important part of Pep Guardiola’s defensive rotation, although losing him would not see City consider replacements, instead leaning more on their existing options such as Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake in back-up roles.

For Galatasaray, meanwhile, convincing Manuel Akanji personally remains the key next step if they are to turn club-level progress into a completed transfer. With both sides yet to find alignment, the coming days are likely to prove decisive in determining whether Akanji follows through on a move abroad, or stays put at the Etihad Stadium for the ongoing season.