Fakayejo Paul
The Nerazzurri have officially decided to keep Manuel Akanji at the San Siro. Following a highly successful loan spell during the 2025–26 campaign, Inter Milan have reached an agreement with Manchester City to make the Swiss defender’s move permanent.
The Deal Details
- Transfer Fee: The total cost of the permanent transfer is set at €15 million.
- Timeline: While the agreement is already in place, the paperwork is expected to be finalized and formally announced in May 2026.
- Impact: Akanji has been a vital part of Inter’s defensive setup this season, making 42 appearances across all competitions and playing a significant role in their Serie A title charge.
A Smart Strategic Move
This signing comes at a pivotal time for Inter, who are planning for a major defensive overhaul ahead of the 2026–27 season.
With veteran defenders like Francesco Acerbi and Matteo Darmian expected to depart when their contracts expire this summer, securing a dependable, experienced, and tactically versatile defender like Akanji provides immediate stability for Simone Inzaghi’s backline.
For Manchester City, the move represents another shift in their squad composition, as Pep Guardiola continues to reshape his defensive options.
Akanji, who joined City in 2022 and played an instrumental role in their historic Treble-winning season, leaves the Premier League with a highly decorated résumé and will now embark on a full-time career in Italian football.
The move is widely seen as a win-win for all parties, as Inter locks in a proven performer for a reasonable fee, while Akanji secures a long-term future in a side where he has already firmly established himself as a starter.