Manuel Akanji’s Manchester City future takes fresh twist as salary enquiry launched | OneFootball

Manchester City could yet be bidding farewell to one of their Treble-winning season stars as Manuel Akanji is now the subject of concrete transfer interest from Turkey.

Akanji’s standing at Manchester City has come under scrutiny following a 2024/25 campaign that exposed cracks in the squad’s defensive reliability — and now interest from abroad may be signalling the start of a somewhat unexpected departure.

The Swiss international has remained a consistent figure under Pep Guardiola since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, but his future is now far from guaranteed as the club considers changes in defence.

With doubts already emerging over the long-term role of John Stones due to persistent injuries, and Vitor Reis potentially heading out on loan after arriving from Palmeiras in January, Akanji’s possible exit would represent a notable shift in central defensive outlook.

The club are not actively pushing the 29-year-old out this summer, but they are open to serious offers, as is the case with most players during the ongoing market given Guardiola’s desire to trim down his squad numbers.

Galatasaray have emerged as a credible destination in recent days, with fresh claims from Turkey suggesting the Istanbul-based giants are prepared to explore a deal, having already been linked with other City names including İlkay Gündoğan and Ederson.

Now, according to the information of Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Galatasaray have inquired about the conditions of a potential deal to sign Manchester City’s versatile central defender Akanji this summer.

It is explained that should the Switzerland international defender agree to a salary reduction in order to join the Turkish Super Lig giants, then the club will in turn make an official offer to Manchester City officials.

Akanji remains under contract at the Etihad until 2027, meaning Manchester City retain control of the situation and are unlikely to sanction a cut-price deal, particularly with the new Premier League season looming.

However, there is a growing sense that Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff are preparing to evolve their defensive core, with Josko Gvardiol pushing for more minutes centrally, and the possibility of a new right-back altering Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis’ roles.

It remains to be seen whether Akanji would be open to such a move, and while Galatasaray offer regular European football and a significant role, the financial compromise required on salary could prove a decisive obstacle.