Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

Manuel Akanji to Inter Milan Confirmed: Transfer Details Revealed

Credit: Kai Pfaffenbach-Reuters via Imagn Images

Inter Milan are closing in on the signing of Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, ending weeks of speculation. As per the renowned journalist and transfer expert, the 30-year-old defender has opted for a switch to Serie A after falling out of favor under Pep Guardiola this season.

Manuel Akanji Inter Milan Contract Details

According to Sky Italia, Inter have agreed to take Akanji on an initial loan deal for €2 million. A part of his salary will be covered as well. The agreement includes an option to buy for €15 million (£13 million). The buy clause will become an obligation on two conditions.

🚨⚫️🔵 Manuel Akanji from Man City to Inter deal details.

◉ €2m loan fee and part of salary coverage.
◉ €15m buy option clause.
◉ Buy clause becomes mandatory if Akanji plays at least 50% of games and if Inter win the Serie A this season. pic.twitter.com/Xm7qVdXLM8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 1, 2025

That is, if Akanji plays 50% of Inter’s games and they secure the Serie A title. This move would represent a slight financial loss for City. They signed the defender from Borussia Dortmund for €20 million in 2022. Akanji is a versatile defender who contributed well to City’s success in the past three years.

Capable of playing across the backline, he attracted interest from several clubs. It includes big names, like AC Milan, Galatasaray, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayer Leverkusen. However, Akanji prioritized joining a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, making Inter his preferred destination.

Also Read: Manchester City Champions League Opponents for 2025-26 Season: Who Are They Playing, Where and When?

Why Manchester City Let Akanji Go?

Akanji’s career at City began on a high note. After his impressive debut, coach Pep Guardiola said, “He showed what a good central defender Manchester City just bought.” The Swiss defender played a crucial role in City’s historic treble-winning campaign in 2023.

He featured in their Champions League final win against Inter Milan that season. He made 136 appearances for the Premier League champions. However, during the 2024-25 season, injuries hampered his progress. He missed 19 games across all competitions.

Also Read: Gianluigi Donnarumma Manchester City Contract Details

In the meantime, Guardiola was on a mission to reshape the squad to include younger players. So, his opportunities dwindled. The defender has yet to feature this season. He was left out of the squad for the 2-0 defeat against Tottenham. Then he returned as an unused substitute against Brighton.

He still had two years left on his City contract. But, he is now looking set for a fresh chapter at the San Siro. The move aligns with Guardiola’s clear stance on maintaining a lean squad. He said, “I said to the club I don’t want that [a bigger squad], I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”

Inter Milan

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.