Jun 30, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji (25) and defender Nathan Ake (6) warms up before a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Galatasaray Pursue Manchester City Duo Manuel Akanji and Ederson

Galatasaray have stepped up their transfer activity as they target defensive reinforcements before the Turkish Super Lig deadline. The Istanbul giants are exploring the possibility of signing Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji and goalkeeper Ederson, with both players emerging as potential solutions to their squad-building plans.

🚨🇹🇷 Manchester City are not closing doors to Manuel Akanji’s exit following Galatasaray approach.

Deal depends on player’s decision. pic.twitter.com/oy0oIQwfpt
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2025

The club have until September 12 to finalise deals domestically, but they are working to bring in additions earlier in order to register them ahead of the Champions League deadline on September 2. Coach Okan Buruk is prioritising a versatile defender and a reliable goalkeeper, with City’s experienced duo firmly on the radar.

Akanji and Ederson on Galatasaray’s Radar

Akanji, 30, has been a mainstay under Pep Guardiola since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Capable of playing both at centre-back and right-back, his adaptability makes him a highly attractive option for Buruk. He even started at right-back during the 2023 Champions League final, underlining his tactical flexibility. With two years left on his contract and multiple trophies to his name, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, City would only sanction his departure if their valuation is met.

Attention has also turned to Ederson, whose future at the Etihad Stadium is less certain. The Brazilian goalkeeper missed City’s 4-0 victory over Wolves due to illness, with James Trafford stepping in following his summer return from Burnley. City remain keen to retain Ederson, but would be prepared to consider offers should the player himself indicate a desire to move on.

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Galatasaray, meanwhile, are making contingency plans in case negotiations stall. Alternatives under consideration include FC Porto’s Diogo Costa and Inter Milan’s Yann Sommer. Should City ultimately part ways with Ederson, reports suggest they may look towards Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has become available after losing his starting place to Lucas Chevalier.

Galatasaray’s Ambitious Transfer Drive

The Turkish champions are determined to reinforce their squad as they prepare for a demanding domestic and European campaign. Securing experienced players like Akanji or Ederson would represent a major statement of intent, but the financial and competitive realities of negotiating with Manchester City mean the outcome remains uncertain in the final weeks of the window.