This weekend, Manuel Akanji could have been representing AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina. However, the deal was never finalised.
In the lead-up to the derby, Akanji has spoken of his desire to grab a goal against Milan. Whilst not directly, the defender stated it would be nice to grab a goal against the Rossoneri to help the team, with their eyes fixed on the Scudetto.
However, the story could have been different, indeed.
The Akanji deal revisited
In the final days of the mercato, the Diavolo tried desperately for another central defender, and at one point, it seemed that Akanji would be joining. The Swiss defender was made available, and as Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanPress) writes, a deal was agreed with Manchester City.
However, the Rossoneri had not had a green light from the defender’s camp. When these discussions opened, Akanji was clear; he wanted €5 million per year and to play in the Champions League. Neither of these requests could nor would be fulfilled by Milan.
Akanji Inter
Credit – Fabrizio Romano
So, he headed to the Nerazzurri, with a deal moving rather quickly. He added after the move that his new team were the ‘biggest club’ in Italy, and that could well be disproven on Sunday.