Credit: IMAGO / Buzzi

Switzerland Defender Manuel Akanji Wants Permanent Inter Milan Move

Credit: IMAGO / Buzzi

Inter Milan defender Manuel Akanji has made it clear he wants to remain at San Siro beyond this season. The Manchester City loanee has settled quickly in Serie A. Notably, Inter are widely expected to trigger the €15m buy option included in his loan deal and Akanji has now openly expressed his desire to sign permanently.

The 30-year-old has been one of Inter’s most reliable performers since arriving on deadline day. He has started every league game over the past nine Serie A rounds and featured in all four of Inter’s Champions League matches, becoming a key figure in Cristian Chivu’s back line.

I Hope Inter Sign Me on a Permanent Deal: Manuel Akanji

Inter are currently top of Serie A table after 11 games, level on points with Roma but leading on goal difference. Akanji’s seamless adaptation has made him one of the team’s most important early-season signings. Speaking to the media, Manuel Akanji admitted he is enjoying his new life in Milan. He said,

“We’ll see what happens this season, then the club and I will decide what to do. I don’t know, everything depends on how the season goes. I hope Inter sign me on a permanent deal. I’m very happy here.”

Also Read: UEFA Approves Barcelona-Eintracht Champions League Clash at Camp Nou

🚨⚫️🔵 Manuel Akanji: “I hope Inter sign me on a permanent deal, yes. I’m very happy here so… we will see”.

€15m buy option, available in the deal with Man City with Inter keen on triggering it. pic.twitter.com/rCU5Rh5QGI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 20, 2025

Inter included a €15m purchase clause in the loan agreement with Manchester City. According to multiple reports, Beppe Marotta is already preparing to activate it, given Akanji’s form and the player’s clear desire to continue in Milan. Despite joining Inter in the final hours of the transfer window, Akanji has quickly climbed above Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Yann Bisseck in the defensive hierarchy.

His positional awareness and calmness on the ball have been vital to Inter’s strong start in both Serie A and Champions League. The Swiss defender also recently helped Switzerland secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Manuel Akanji is yet to score his first Serie A goal, but he has set his sights on breaking that drought in the biggest match of the season – the Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan.

Also Read: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Draw: Date, Pots, Format and How To Watch

He admitted he “would love” to score his first Inter goal in Sunday’s derby. With Akanji pushing for a long-term stay and Inter keen to finalise the deal, it appears only a matter of time before the Nerazzurri make Akanji’s move permanent.

MANUEL AKANJI IS SO UNDERRATED 🇨🇭💎

• 40 TACKLES won 💪
• 26 INTERCEPTIONS 🛡️
• 44 CLEARANCES 🔨
• 57.89% aerial duels WON 🎯
• 89.17% passing ACCURACY ✅
• 537 SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES 💨
• 1 ASSIST 🎯
• 41 appearances

No noise. Just elite defending and ball progression. ✨ pic.twitter.com/6hRGsLPBaJ
— The Stat Guy (@The_Stat_Guy_10) November 20, 2025

Cristian Chivu

Inter Milan

Manchester City

Manuel Akanji

Serie A

Switzerland

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.