Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

Manchester City Agree Shocking Deal for Manuel Akanji to Move to This Club

Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

Manchester City have reached a shock agreement with Turkish champions Galatasaray for the sale of Manuel Akanji in a deal worth £15 million. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano and L’Equipe, only final details are remaining to close the deal.

The move comes as Pep Guardiola looks to trim his squad before the transfer window closes. Man City have been actively reducing the size of their squad. Recent departures include Jack Grealish to Everton on loan, Claudio Echeverri heading to Bayer Leverkusen, and James McAtee completing a £30 million move to Nottingham Forest.

🚨🟡🔴 Galatasaray are closing in on agreement with Manchester City for Manuel Akanji’s permanent move.

£15m fee has been agreed, pending final details.

Galatasaray will submit their proposal to the player in the upcoming hours to try get the deal done this week. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/rOiDUmitnH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2025

Akanji now looks set to become the latest exit in this strategy. The Swiss international joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He has been a reliable figure in Guardiola’s defence, capable of playing across the backline and even as a defensive midfielder when required.

He has made 136 appearances for the club and was also a regular starter for them last season when fit. However, it seems like Pep is preferring a smaller, refreshed squad. Thus, City have sanctioned his sale despite Akanji being under contract until 2027.

Also Read: Arsenal Hijack Tottenham Hotspur Move as Eberechi Eze Nears Transfer Completion

Manuel Akanji to Galatasaray Move Details

According to Romano, while the clubs have agreed on a £15 million transfer fee, personal terms between Galatasaray and Akanji are yet to be finalized. Romano spoke about the potential transfer. He wrote on X:

“Galatasaray are closing in on agreement with Manchester City for Manuel Akanji’s permanent move. £15m fee has been agreed, pending final details. Galatasaray will submit their proposal to the player in the upcoming hours to try get the deal done this week.”

Also Read: Nottingham Forest in talks to sign Sevilla defender Jose Angel Carmona

He further added that the player has not yet decided on his future destination: “After club to club agreement, Galatasaray will make their offer to Manuel Akanji in 24 hours. No proposal on the table to the player yet and currently no indications from Akanji on intention to accept destination.”

Meanwhile, L’Equipe reported that Galatasaray’s management has already sent a contract proposal. expects Akanji’s agent to travel to Istanbul for further discussions. If terms are agreed, Akanji will become one of the marquee signings in Turkey this summer. In addition to Akanji, Galatasaray are also negotiating with City for goalkeeper Ederson. The Turkish champions have bid €10m, but City are holding out for €25m.

Galatasaray

Manchester City

Manuel Akanji

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.