Manchester City close in on transfer agreement for Manuel Akanji | OneFootball

Galatasaray and Manchester City are closing in on an agreement for Manuel Akanji, it is now being reported in Turkey.

The 30-year-old defender has been one of the most talked-about City players in the summer window, with his future regularly called into question after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.

Akanji’s versatility across defensive positions was relied upon heavily by Pep Guardiola during their Treble-winning campaign of 2022/23 in particular, but his inconsistent form and questionable injury record left many supporters unconvinced about his long-term place.

As City look to refresh and streamline their defensive unit, Akanji’s name has repeatedly surfaced in reports linking him with an Etihad Stadium exit. Galatasaray’s interest first emerged earlier in the summer, initially as part of a broader discussion involving other City players such as İlkay Gündoğan and Ederson.

While that ambitious package never developed, albeit with maintained interest in the Brazilian goalkeeper, the Turkish champions have persisted with their pursuit of Manuel Akanji, stepping up negotiations in recent days.

The Istanbul side are targeting reinforcements at centre-back ahead of another UEFA Champions League campaign, with Akanji’s experience at the top level viewed as an attractive asset.

After sending representatives to England this week to hold direct talks with Manchester City’s Director of Football Hugo Viana, according to claims from Turkish media, fresh reports now indicate progress towards an agreement.

According to a fresh update from Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Galatasaray and Manchester City are now close to an agreement for Manuel Akanji.

It is further detailed that the reigning champions of the Super Lig will then make an official offer to the Switzerland international defender after finalising a deal involving the two clubs.

The next stage of talks will likely hinge on Akanji’s willingness to make the move, with Fabrizio Romano having previously reported that Galatasaray had already spoken with the player’s representatives, and a decision ultimately resting on the defender himself.

City, meanwhile, are clearly open to a sale if their valuation is met, with Pep Guardiola also keen to trim his squad ahead of the new season. Should a deal be finalised, a replacement is highly unlikely to be targeted.

John Stones has publicly committed his future to the club, while Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and Nathan Aké remain first-choice options. Younger names such as Abdukodir Khusanov are expected to see increased opportunities, while Vitor Reis is currently on loan at Girona.

For Galatasaray, capturing Akanji would represent a statement signing and a major addition to their European ambitions. For City, however, the move could mark one of the final significant defensive exits of the window, reshaping the squad dynamic as they push to bounce back from what John Stones himself recently described as a “humbling” season.