Legendary AC Milan & Juventus Manager Urges Inter Milan To Sign Man City Star Permanently: “A Bit Like Their Modric” | OneFootball

Fabio Capello has urged Inter Milan to trigger the buyout clause in their loan agreement for Manuel Akanji. 

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, the former coach waxed lyrical about the 30-year-old defender.

Inter Milan signed Manuel Akanji on loan from Manchester City in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

Despite his late arrival, the Swiss center-back has seamlessly slotted into Cristian Chivu’s system.

Indeed, he has already established himself as a regular starter at San Siro, making 13 appearances in all competitions.

Alongside Alessandro Bastoni, Akanji has become the focal point of Inter’s defense this season.

Furthermore, he has already convinced Beppe Marotta to activate a €15 million buyout clause in Inter’s loan deal with Man City.

Akanji’s impressive performances have also caught the eye of Capello, who seems to keep him in high regard.

Previewing Inter’s upcoming Serie A showdown against AC Milan, he told Inter to purchase Akanji at the end of the season.

Fabio Capello Praises Inter Milan Star Manuel Akanji

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: Manuel Akanji of Internazionale acknowledges the fans after the team’s victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“He’s shown great value,” Capello claimed. “He has both experience and quality.

“In some ways, he’s a bit like Inter’s Modric, even though he hasn’t quite reached his full potential yet.”

Asked whether he would sign Akanji permanently, Capello replied: “With a 30-year-old like him, absolutely yes.

“In a league like Serie A, he can easily play another three years at a high level.

“In that case, Inter should ask themselves: what could we realistically find out there that’s better?”

Then, the 79-year-old addressed Inter’s occasional lapses in concentration.

“They sometimes switch off and get complacent because of their dominance and the scoreline advantage.

“Chivu knows that well. He can see the benefits, so he knows his ideas have been absorbed and not challenged.”

Finally, he explained why Inter are committing more fouls than in some previous seasons.

“When you play higher up the pitch, you’re forced to stop the game earlier.”