Galatasaray appear set to make their move to sign a Manchester City centre-back in a move that makes sense | OneFootball

One position where Manchester City have a plethora of options is at centre-back. Pep Guardiola’s squad is stacked with central defenders, and it would appear that City could sell one or two of them to trim the size of the City squad. On that front, a new report indicates that Galatasaray have an interest in signing Manuel Akanji this summer. When looking at which centre-backs could leave Manchester City this summer, Akanji may be the prime candidate.

Galatasaray have reportedly sounded out Manuel Akanji over a potential move to Turkey.

Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu reports that Galatasaray have enquired about potentially signing Manuel Akanji. Furthermore, Sabuncuoğlu reports that if Akanji lowers his salary demands the Turkish giants could move for the Swiss international. If Akanji agrees to lower his salary demands then Galatasaray could submit a bid for the Manchester City defender.

Manuel Akanji is likely the prime defensive candidate to leave Manchester City this summer.

The Manchester City squad is loaded with quality centre-backs. Currently, Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis are on City’s books. It would appear unlikely that Dias, Gvardiol or Khusanov will leave Manchester City anytime soon. John Stones and Nathan Ake are classified as homegrown players. That makes them vital components in how City’s squad is constructed. Vitor Reis could leave City on loan next season. That leaves Manuel Akanji. He could be the prime candidate if City do intend to sell a centre-back this summer.

Manuel Akanji may find himself surplus to requirements at Manchester City. He will face competition for minutes next season. It would also be expected that Abdukodir Khusanov makes a push for a more prominent role next season. To give Khusanov the minutes he needs City could do with selling Akanji. The fact that Akanji isn’t a homegrown player also counts against him. Manchester City cannot afford to sell too many homegrown players. That fact also helps make Akanji a prime candidate to leave City this summer.

If Akanji does leave City this summer may come down to his choice. He is contracted with the club until 2027. Whatever he decides may dictate his future. But if the versatile centre-back is keen on a move to Turkey it may be a simple move to complete for Manchester City and Galatasaray.