Manuel Akanji rejects opportunity to leave Manchester City due to salary differences | OneFootball

Galatasaray have seen their latest proposal submitted to Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji rejected by the player, according to reports.

The Switzerland international has been at the centre of intense speculation throughout the summer, with his name consistently linked to a potential Etihad Stadium departure as a trimming of Pep Guardiola’s squad remains ongoing.

Turkish champions Galatasaray emerged as a leading candidate in recent days and weeks, holding advanced talks with officials at Manchester City over a deal for the 30-year-old centre-back.

However, while negotiations between the two clubs had been progressing, the deciding factor always lay in the player’s hands. Previous reports indicated that Akanji was due to respond to Galatasaray’s offer within a set timeframe, with the Turkish side hopeful of reaching an agreement before the close of the transfer window.

At the same time, Crystal Palace were also understood to have made enquiries, while Bayer Leverkusen monitored Akanji as a potential replacement for Piero Hincapié should he move to Arsenal.

However, according to the information of Turkey-based journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Manuel Akanji has now rejected the latest offer to be submitted to him by Galatasaray.

It is explained that those on the Swiss international’s side had clearly communicated their annual salary demands from the Turkish champions, and informed those at Galatasaray that they will not accept any offer below that requested figure.

The rejection leaves both Galatasaray and Akanji at something of a crossroads. While the Turkish giants still have an agreement in principle with City, they are now faced with the task of either increasing their financial package or moving on to alternative targets.

For Manuel Akanji, the decision underlines his determination not to compromise on salary expectations should he leave a club competing at the very top of European football.

Looking ahead, Manchester City may now retain Akanji into the new season despite earlier suggestions of a reshaped defensive set-up. Pep Guardiola’s squad already boasts strong depth at centre-back with Rúben Dias, Nathan Aké, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, and Abdukodir Khusanov.

The club had seemingly been prepared to sanction Akanji’s exit under the right conditions, but his stance on wages complicates matters. The situation could yet take another twist before deadline day, particularly if Galatasaray return with an improved offer or if interest from the Premier League and Bundesliga reignites.

For now, however, Manuel Akanji remains a Manchester City player, with his future still hanging in the balance as the final days of the transfer window unfold.