A Manchester City defender could leave as City bid to trim their squad | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola spoke of the need for Manchester City to trim the size of his squad before the end of the transfer window following his team’s 4-nil win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. Guardiola wants a smaller squad so he isn’t forced to leave a host of players out of his matchday squad each week. Following those comments, focus quickly turned to who could leave Manchester City.

One player who could potentially leave is Manuel Akanji. The Swiss international has been linked with a potential move to Galatasaray. But like Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones, the final decision on whether or not he departs will rest with Manuel Akanji.

Galatasaray have approached Manchester City about potentially signing Manuel Akanji.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Galatasaray have approached Manchester City over potentially signing Manuel Akanji. Furthermore, Romano reports that Galatasaray have also approached Akanji’s agent to discuss a potential move to Turkey for the versatile centre-back. Lastly, Romano reports that Akanji has yet to make a decision on his future at this stage.

Yağiz Sabuncuoģlu further reports that Manuel Akanji’s agents are due in Istanbul this week to meet with Galatasaray. Furthermore, Sabuncuoģlu reports that official negotiations between Manchester City and the Turkish giants have begun over a move for Akanji.

Manuel Akanji could be a prime candidate to leave City.

Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodur Khusanov, Nathan Ake, John Stones and Manuel Akanji look set to battle it out for the centre-back position. That does seem to be one centre-back too many. Akanji could step in at right-back if required. He can play that position. But Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes appear set to fight it out for that role. The more you look at it the more Akanji could be surplus to requirements this season.

Having said all of that, the final decision about whether or not Akanji stays at City will rest with the Swiss international. If he decides to stay at the club it is case closed. But if he decides to pursue a move to Galatasaray it seems that the potential is there for him to depart Manchester City. City need to sell players and Akanji could be one player who leaves the club before the transfer window closes.