Manuel Akanji issues update on Manchester City future as Inter loan approaches end | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji has shared his thoughts on his future, mentioning that “the time will come to sit down and decide” as his loan at Inter approaches its end.

The 30-year-old joined the Nerazzurri from Manchester City on a season-long loan in September of last year and has since been able to establish a secure and consistent place in head coach Cristian Chivu‘s squad.

Inter Milan are closing in on claiming the Serie A title this season, currently ranking at the top of the league table with 78 points from 33 matches, and also have the chance to win the Coppa Italia having defeated Como 1907 in the semi-finals 3-2 across two-legs this month.

How has Akanji fared at Inter Milan?

Since his arrival at San Siro, Manuel Akanji has started in 37 out of the 42 appearances he has made across competitions for Inter Milan so far this season, while also netting two goals in the Italian top flight and contributing to 19 clean sheets.

Now, in a recent interview with Sportmediaset, Akanji revealed that while there was interest from AC Milan last summer, the centre-back believed their domestic arch-rivals were “more suitable” for him.

“I spoke to Milan in the summer, but I thought Inter was a more suitable destination for me. I’d say the choice worked out. My agent negotiated with the club, and it worked out well,” Akanji said, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness.

The Swiss star also credited his teammates and head coach at Inter Milan for making it “very easy” for him to fit into the squad, while describing his season in Italy as “great,” and added, “All the guys and the coach made it very easy for me to fit into the team.

“I feel great playing here, in both positions: midfield, right back, and in the back three. I’ve had a really great season, and we’ll try to finish it strong.”

Will Inter Milan sign Akanji on a permanent deal?

Manuel Akanji’s loan deal at Inter Milan includes an option to buy for €15 million, which becomes an obligation if the Italian side win the Serie A and the player has featured in 50 per cent of games in the competition.

During the aforementioned interview, the Manchester City loanee shed light on plans for his future while once again expressing that he feels great at San Siro, “If and when we win these trophies, the time will come to sit down and decide how to move forward.

“I feel great here, but I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about it. It will come soon, but I’m focused on playing well and then we’ll see.”

With the Nerazzurri being just four points away from winning the league title this season, and Manuel Akanji’s minutes on the pitch matching the requirement, a permanent deal for the centre-back appears to be approaching soon.

Manchester City signed Akanji from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €20 million in 2022, with the FC Winterthur graduate registering 136 appearances for the Premier League giants, netting five goals, providing three assists, and winning seven trophies including two league titles and a UEFA Champions League.