Manuel Akanji to decide Manchester City future ‘within the next 48 hours’ – Three clubs enter transfer battle | OneFootball

A trio of clubs are now engaging in somewhat of a transfer battle for Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji at the end of the summer transfer window, it is being reported.

The Etihad hierarchy are bracing for a potentially busy final stretch of the market, with defensive reshuffles being actively discussed amid widespread interest in existing options from throughout the game.

City’s summer has already seen rumours swirl around key players such as Ederson and İlkay Gündoğan, while Nathan Aké has also been linked with a possible exit. In that context, Akanji’s situation has become one of the most pressing storylines.

The 30-year-old, who played a pivotal role in City’s Treble-winning campaign, has found his future questioned following tactical evolution under Pep Guardiola. With new signings bedding in and players like Joško Gvardiol continuing to grow in prominence, City’s defensive depth could be streamlined should a suitable offer arrive.

Akanji has remained professional throughout, but the player is now weighing up his options as multiple suitors present themselves. Interest in Akanji is not new, with Galatasaray having maintained contact with both the player and City for several weeks.

Recent developments have only intensified speculation, with Turkish outlets claiming that a deal could be nearing its decisive stage. Meanwhile, Premier League rivals have also begun to sense an opportunity, setting up a fascinating end to this transfer saga.

According to new information from Fabrizio Romano, Manuel Akanji’s future will be discussed ‘in the next days’, with the Switzerland international now also on Bayer Leverkusen’s transfer shortlist, should the German side sell Piero Hincapié to Arsenal.

Elsewhere, in the Premier League, and Sky Sports News are reporting that Crystal Palace have made an approach for Akanji, as the South London club enter the market for a potential new centre-back as Liverpool remain interested in a move for Marc Guehi.

And finally, over in Turkey and according to journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Manuel Akanji will respond to Galatasaray’s latest offer ‘within the next 48 hours’, with the agreement between the two involved clubs still valid.

Should Akanji depart, City may reassess defensive targets, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi already tentatively floated as a possible name under consideration. Previous reports suggested City could move for Guehi if both Akanji and Nathan Aké were to exit before the deadline, making Crystal Palace’s simultaneous interest in Akanji a particularly intriguing dynamic.

For the player himself, a move abroad could provide fresh opportunities, with Galatasaray offering UEFA Champions League football and Bayer Leverkusen an attractive Bundesliga destination.

Yet the appeal of staying in the Premier League, via a move to Crystal Palace, should not be underestimated, especially given Manuel Akanji’s proven ability in English football.

With the Swiss defender expected to make a decision within the next 48 hours, Manchester City’s closing week of business may hinge on his choice. Whether it results in a major reshuffle or a renewed show of faith in Pep Guardiola’s existing defensive options, the coming days are set to be decisive for both Akanji and the club.