Galatasaray Move for Akanji Nears Completion
Galatasaray are close to reaching a full agreement with Manchester City for the permanent transfer of Manuel Akanji, with the two clubs settling on a £15m fee. Negotiations have advanced rapidly over the last 48 hours, and the Turkish champions are confident of wrapping up the deal this week.
The next step is to finalise terms with the 30-year-old Switzerland international. Galatasaray are expected to present their contract proposal later today, hoping Akanji gives the green light for a medical before the weekend.
City have been open to a sale after reshaping their defensive options, with Akanji slipping down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola. The centre-back featured regularly during their 2022/23 treble-winning campaign but has struggled for consistent minutes since, especially following the arrival of new signings.
Why Galatasaray want him
Okan Buruk has been pressing for defensive reinforcements ahead of the Süper Lig season, and Akanji’s Champions League experience makes him an attractive option. The Swiss defender has built a reputation for composure on the ball and strong organisational qualities, something Galatasaray believe will add steel to their back line in both domestic and European competition.
Akanji would follow a series of ambitious signings designed to strengthen Buruk’s squad for another title push and a competitive Champions League campaign.
Player Quote Section
The Swiss centre-back has not hidden his ambition to play regular first-team football again, something he struggled for last season.
“I’ve always believed I perform best when I play consistently. For me, being trusted week in, week out is the most important thing.” — Manuel Akanji, via Swiss media
His words underline why a move to Istanbul could appeal at this stage of his career.
Manuel Akanji – Career Stats
| Stat (Manchester City 2022–25) | Manuel Akanji |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 139 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Clean Sheets Involved | 38 |
| Pass Accuracy | 91% |
source: footystats.org – 20 August 2025
Akanji has been a reliable presence in City’s defensive rotation, showing elite passing efficiency and positional discipline, though his minutes dropped sharply in 2024/25.
Analyst Verdict
From a tactical perspective, Akanji brings versatility — comfortable as a centre-back in both a two and a three, and capable of filling in at full-back when required. His composure under pressure fits Galatasaray’s need to build out from the back in Europe.
Personally, I’d note that his game time decline at City wasn’t down to poor form, but to Guardiola’s abundance of options. At 30, this could be the ideal move to revitalise his career while giving Gala an organiser at the back.
Key Insights
- £15m fee agreed between Galatasaray and Manchester City.
- Proposal to Akanji expected within hours.
- Defender keen on regular football after reduced minutes.
- Okan Buruk sees him as a leader for domestic and UCL campaigns.
- City reshaping defence, making Akanji expendable.
What’s Next
Talks over personal terms will determine the speed of this transfer. Galatasaray want the deal wrapped up before the end of the week, aiming to integrate Akanji immediately into training.
If he accepts, a medical in Istanbul could follow within days. Should the player hesitate, Gala may look to alternatives, but all signals point towards Akanji becoming their next defensive addition.
Would Akanji be the defensive leader Galatasaray need in Europe — or should Buruk prioritise a younger long-term option instead?
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