Manuel Akanji’s Manchester City exit to European giant ruled out by journalist | OneFootball

A summer transfer to Turkish football for Manchester City centre-back Manuel Akanji has now been ruled out by one reporter this week following widespread claims.

Despite recent rumours suggesting a potential switch to the Turkish Super Lig, it now appears that Galatasaray will not be pursuing a deal for the Swiss international — at least not under the current circumstances.

Akanji had seemingly emerged as one of several Manchester City players loosely linked with the Istanbul-based club amid ongoing talks over other potential moves involving Etihad Stadium first-team personnel.

Galatasaray have already held talks with Ederson, and there had been suggestions that the Turkish champions were eyeing a package deal for three Etihad stars including Ilkay Gundogan, too.

However, financial constraints, wage structures, and broader transfer priorities appear to have ruled out any serious pursuit of the aforementioned 30-year-old centre-back, who is believed to remain important in the eyes of Pep Guardiola.

The Swiss international joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and played a key role in their historic Treble-winning campaign, operating not only at centre-back but also as a hybrid full-back in Pep Guardiola’s evolving defensive structure.

However, a slightly inconsistent 2024/25 campaign and speculation over Manchester City’s plans to refresh their defensive options – amid the arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis – sparked questions over his future.

Now, according to journalist Ali Naci Küçük to FutbolArena – as translated by Sport Witness – Manuel Akanji is not on the transfer agenda of Galatasaray this summer, despite widespread claims.

“[Manuel] Akanji isn’t currently on Galatasaray’s agenda. There will be a roster reshuffle at Manchester City. Perhaps it could be a cost-effective opportunity. But Galatasaray hasn’t made any moves on Akanji at the moment,” Küçük claimed.

He continued, “Akanji could only be available if Manchester City covers his salary. Davinson [Sanchez] is the team’s leader at centre-back. You have to maintain a balance.

“If you bring in Akanji for almost twice Davinson’s salary, you’ll upset the balance.”

While Galatasaray may have considered Akanji as part of a wider strategy to bring experience into their squad, financial dynamics surrounding a possible deal appear too complex. The salary imbalance is particularly notable, with the club unwilling to disrupt wage harmony.

For Manchester City, the club are likely to be evaluating all central defensive options, with Vitor Reis a loan possibility and John Stones’ fitness issues prompting a careful review of long-term succession plans.

While Akanji is not actively being pushed out, his role may be increasingly marginalised should further reinforcements arrive, or if Pep Guardiola opts for a tactical shift involving other personnel.