Defender confirms desire to leave Manchester City on permanent transfer in 2026 | OneFootball

One of Pep Guardiola’s most important defenders during the Treble-winning campaign of 2022/23 has confirmed his desire to leave Manchester City in 2026.

The Swiss international’s comments come amid growing expectations that Inter Milan intend to make his stay permanent, following a strong start to his loan spell at San Siro.

Akanji was one of several Manchester City players facing uncertain futures last summer, alongside Ederson and İlkay Gündoğan, as the Premier League giants prepared to refresh their defensive options and reduce squad congestion in central defence.

Manuel Akanji’s departure was finalised in the final hours of the window, joining Inter on a season-long loan deal worth €2 million, including a €15 million buy option clause. However, that option only becomes mandatory under specific performance and team-based conditions – including the defender featuring in at least half of Inter’s matches and winning Serie A.

Despite that, Inter are understood to have already planned internally for a 2026 permanent deal, having been “very happy” with the 30-year-old’s impact, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

Now, speaking in a new interview with Swiss media outlet Blick, relayed by CalcioMercato and translated by Football Italia, Manuel Akanji has made clear his desire to remain with Inter Milan beyond his ongoing season-long loan in Italian football.

“I feel very good,” Akanji admitted. “The hardest part of settling in was sorting everything out for the kids, but we’re comfortable now. Italian football is a bit different from the English game, but I’ve adapted well, it helps when you play regularly.”

The Switzerland international defender continued, “The team welcomed me warmly, things are going great, we’re top of the table and we want to stay there.”

Adding further insight into his exit from the club and his feelings towards the future, Akanji said, “When I left Manchester City, I organised a farewell dinner, it was really nice.

“I haven’t been able to say goodbye to all the staff yet, but who knows what will happen next summer. As things stand, I’d love to stay at Inter.”

Manuel Akanji’s latest comments reinforce what has been an evolving narrative around his Manchester City future since his arrival at Milan’s Linate airport on deadline day to finalise his move.

Earlier reporting revealed that he had already given his approval to join Inter before the clubs reached a full agreement, further signalling his intent to continue his career in Serie A beyond the current campaign.

Looking ahead, much will depend on Inter’s financial planning and whether their clause with Manchester City is activated through performance conditions or restructured into a separate permanent deal.

Regardless, all indications suggest that Manuel Akanji’s chapter in Manchester is nearing its end – one closed on respectful terms after an instrumental spell in Manchester City’s Treble-winning era.