Manuel Akanji was hailed as "perfect" by Pep Guardiola after joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool has been urged to sign the Swiss defender
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
18:00, 25 Jan 2026
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City beat Liverpool to the signing of Marc Guehi
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City beat Liverpool to the signing of Marc Guehi(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has been encouraged to make an approach to Manchester City for a defender following the Merseyside club's failure to land Marc Guehi.
City has wrapped up a bargain deal for the England international after the Reds' summer pursuit collapsed at the final hurdle. Liverpool is still searching for a center-back, with Saturday's 3-2 loss at Bournemouth underlining the urgency to bolster Arne Slot's defensive options.
Former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz believes City's Manuel Akanji, presently on loan at Inter Milan, would be an ideal acquisition. Akanji arrived at City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and played a role in their historic Treble triumph in 2023.
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When he signed, Pep Guardiola heaped praise on the versatile Swiss international, who can also operate at full-back.
"The movement defensively and offensively, he executes it perfectly," he said. "This is a gift for the manager.
"Some players, you have to explain 10 times or train 10 times to show what you are thinking or what you want to do.
"This guy needed just one training session, and he got it. The movement he has to do as a full-back, the high pressing, he didn't train once, and he did it perfectly. With the ball, he is a magnificent player.
Pep Guardiola spoke highly of Manuel Akanji before letting him leave Manchester City
Pep Guardiola spoke highly of Manuel Akanji before letting him leave Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
"Our build-up should be three in the back and that's why in the position we normally play Kyle [Walker] or John [Stones]. He was absolutely perfect. Proof again that intelligent people, always it pays off."
But after falling out of favor at the beginning of this campaign, Akanji was allowed to join Inter for the rest of the season.
Henchoz thinks Liverpool should take advantage of Guardiola's decision to let Akanji leave Manchester.
He told Hajper: "Manuel Akanji would be an interesting option for Liverpool. He has proven his ability in the Premier League with Manchester City, despite a slightly difficult last season due to injury.
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"He is 30, which is not old for a centre-back, and he has a good injury record. I have watched him playing for Inter Milan and the Swiss national team since he left City, and he still has the necessary attributes.
"He possesses everything you want in a center-back: pace, power, intelligence, good reading of the game, and comfort in possession. Crucially, he knows the Premier League, which is a big advantage for a January transfer.
"When signing a player in the winter window, you need someone who can fit in and perform immediately. Akanji meets those needs. Therefore, if Liverpool cannot secure their first-choice target, Akanji would definitely be an interesting alternative."