Inter Plot to Keep Manchester City Loanee Regardless | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji has been a day-one starter despite joining Inter very late and has played full minutes in four consecutive matches, without rotating, unlike his partners in the back. Christian Chivu expedited his integration into the team. He and the management have liked what they have seen, Fabrizio Romano informs.

The veteran came in on loan with a €15M option/conditional obligation to buy. They’d be forced to buy him out only if he starred in 50 percent of the matches and they won the Scudetto, though. It’s not a fait accompli like in most instances when such a formula is used.

Still, Inter want to retain Akanji permanently no matter what. He has been starring on the right-hand side of the defense so far, with excellent results, replacing Benjamin Pavard, who headed to Olympique Marseille, and getting minutes over Yann Aurel Bisseck.

The Nerazzurri see the 30-year-old eventually transitioning to the center of the rearguard. Stefan De Vrij and Francesco Acerbi are on short-term deals and could depart at the end of the season, especially the latter. Their brass has been tracking the Swiss international since his Borussia Dortmund days. Hadn’t they nabbed him during the past window, they would have tried to sign him for free in 2026.

Our Take on Inter and Akanji

It’s a little early to make plans for next summer, but he couldn’t have started any better. He’s not substituting for a slouch, but he’s been more durable. The only quibble would be the price, but he can go strong for a few more seasons. They’ll have to add some youth at some point, but they won’t get crazy with such a proposition. A couple of veteran cornerstones will make things easier.