The Manchester City transfer of Manuel Akanji to Inter Milan has left many scratching their heads, with journalist Pierluigi Pardo admitting he “doesn’t understand” why Pep Guardiola sanctioned the move.
Akanji, 30, played 136 matches for the Citizens, lifting two Premier League titles and the Champions League before departing on loan to the Nerazzurri this summer. According to Tuttomercatoweb’s relay of Pardo’s comments to Radio 24, Inter beat local rivals AC Milan to his signature — yet doubts remain over City’s decision to offload such an experienced defender at this stage of the season.
Pardo believes Inter have bolstered their squad, particularly in attack, but his remarks underline the sense of surprise across Europe. Why would City, fresh from another domestic and European push, willingly part with a player who logged more than 2,500 minutes last season and even filled in at midfield when required?
Why Manchester City Let Manuel Akanji Leave
Manchester City’s defensive depth has long been a talking point, with Guardiola rotating John Stones, Rúben Dias, Nathan Aké and Josko Gvardiol across the backline. Akanji was a trusted figure, particularly in 2024/25, when his ball-carrying ability allowed City to shift shape seamlessly.
But City also moved aggressively in the January market, adding three defenders under the age of 22. Sources close to the Etihad have suggested the plan was always to integrate them gradually, with Akanji’s departure opening a pathway.
Still, from a pure tactical lens, losing a versatile operator who can play centrally or tuck into midfield raises eyebrows. As Pardo put it:
“Akanji? I don’t understand why Manchester City let him go, but good for Inter.” — Pierluigi Pardo, Radio 24
How Akanji Fits into Inter’s Defence
For Cristian Chivu, Akanji represents experience at the highest level — exactly what Inter need to sustain a Scudetto challenge while juggling Champions League football. With Napoli strengthening their backline and Juventus showing signs of resurgence, Inter could not afford to stand still.
Akanji’s arrival also offsets Pavard’s departure, ensuring Inter maintain their tactical flexibility in a back three. His composure under pressure should allow them to play out from the back, a trait Inzaghi has craved.
Manuel Akanji 2025/26 (Inter) — Per-Game Defensive Snapshot
| Stat (per game, 2025/26) | Manuel Akanji |
|---|---|
| Interceptions | 1.0 |
| Tackles | 0.0 |
| Clearances | 4.0 |
| Balls recovered | 3.0 |
| Total duels won | 5.0 (83%) |
| Ground duels won | 2.0 (100%) |
| Aerial duels won | 3.0 (75%) |
| Dribbled past | 0.0 |
| Fouls committed | 0.0 |
| Possession lost | 9.0 |
| Errors leading to shot | 0 |
| Clean sheets | 0 |
source: sofascore match data – 14 September 2025
Summary: On debut, Akanji won 83% of his duels (perfect 100% on the ground, 75% in the air), made 4 clearances and 1 interception, and wasn’t dribbled past or penalised. He recorded 0 errors leading to shots and 0 fouls, pointing to tidy, low-risk defending. It’s a one-match sample, but the aerial dominance and ball security fit what Inter need post-Pavard.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William says:
“Manchester City’s decision reflects a long-term squad cycle. Akanji offered tactical assurance, but Guardiola is clearly trusting younger legs to take over. From Inter’s perspective, this is a short-term win — they’re gaining a player ready to perform immediately, without the adaptation risk.”
He added: “What looks like a gamble for City might prove shrewd by May, but if injuries hit, Guardiola could face tough questions over depth.”
Key Insights
- Manuel Akanji left Manchester City on loan to Inter Milan this summer.
- Journalist Pierluigi Pardo admits he “doesn’t understand” the decision.
- City signed Juma Bah, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in January.
- Inter view Akanji as a direct replacement for Benjamin Pavard.
- Debate lingers over whether City weakened themselves too soon.
What’s Next
Akanji’s debut came in the high-pressure clash against Juventus, where he was thrown straight into the starting XI. Inter may not have kept a clean sheet, but the Swiss defender’s duel success and calm distribution suggested he’ll be a valuable part of Simone Inzaghi’s back three moving forward.
The next tests will be just as stern: Fiorentina in Serie A and a looming Champions League opener. For Inter, the question is whether Akanji can quickly form chemistry with Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi to stabilise the defence.
Meanwhile, at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s focus shifts to bedding in Abdukodir Khusanov. If injuries strike Rúben Dias or John Stones, Akanji’s absence could be felt sharply — especially once the Champions League and Club World Cup fixtures pile up.
👉 Should Manchester City have kept Manuel Akanji for one more season — or is Guardiola right to trust youth?
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