Manchester City’s stance on Manuel Akanji’s future amid Galatasaray interest | OneFootball

Etihad Stadium officials are open to the possibility of allowing Manuel Akanji to leave Manchester City this summer, according to new reports.

The 30-year-old defender has been the subject of growing speculation in recent weeks, with reports from Turkey suggesting Galatasaray have stepped up their interest in the Swiss international.

Akanji endured a difficult 2024/25 campaign, often deployed across multiple positions in Pep Guardiola’s back line but struggling to find the form that made him a dependable figure during Manchester City’s Treble-winning season just a year earlier.

Supporters have also questioned his role moving forward, with some calling for the club to refresh their defensive ranks. At the same time, City are balancing other situations in defence – including John Stones, who recently reaffirmed his commitment to the Etihad despite injuries, and Vitor Reis, who joined Girona on loan.

That context has left Akanji’s future somewhat unclear as City weigh up their options, and Galatasaray’s push comes after a broader interest in City players earlier this summer. The Turkish Super Lig champions had been linked with a bold package approach for both Ederson and İlkay Gündoğan alongside Akanji, but those talks did not materialise.

Now, according to the information of ESPN’s Rob Dawson, Manchester City have not ruled out allowing Manuel Akanji to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, but only if their valuation on the Swiss international is met.

That position taken by City officials comes amid Galatasaray interest, with the Turkish Super Lig giants having made contact with the Etihad Stadium about the possibility of signing the centre-back.

What happens next may depend heavily on whether Galatasaray are prepared to match City’s asking price, and whether Akanji himself is open to the move.

As Fabrizio Romano has also reported, conversations between the Turkish side and the player’s representatives have already taken place, with the final decision expected to rest on Akanji’s own willingness to accept a new challenge.

City have so far prioritised stability in their back line, with Pep Guardiola keen to avoid unnecessary disruption ahead of the new Premier League season. If Akanji departs, pressure may grow to either accelerate internal promotions, such as giving Abdukodir Khusanov greater exposure.

For now, Akanji remains part of Guardiola’s squad, but the door has clearly been left ajar. Galatasaray’s persistence could yet tip the balance, provided they are ready to meet City’s valuation and the player agrees to the switch.