Galatasaray supporters celebrate after the football club was crowned champion of Turkey's top division for a record 22nd time on May 19, 2019 in Istanbul. - Galatasaray sealed their 22nd Turkish league title with a dramatic 2-1 win over nearest challengers Istanbul Basaksehir in a capital-city derby marred by violence. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP) (Photo credit should read YASIN AKGUL/AFP/Getty Images)
In a major move to bolster their squad, Turkish giants Galatasaray are reportedly attempting a double raid on Manchester City, with Swiss defender Manuel Akanji now a key target alongside goalkeeper Ederson.
According to French sports daily L’Équipe, Galatasaray has submitted an initial contract offer to the 30-year-old Akanji. His agent is expected to travel to Istanbul soon to continue negotiations.
The pursuit of Akanji comes as City’s goalkeeping situation appears set for a shake-up.
With James Trafford having already joined and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma also expected to arrive, Ederson’s departure from the Etihad seems imminent.
Should talks with Akanji’s representatives progress, Galatasaray will then open negotiations with Manchester City to finalize a transfer for the defender, whose contract runs until 2027.
Akanji has made 136 appearances for the Cityzens since his arrival but was notably absent from the starting lineup on the opening day of the Premier League season.
A move to Turkey would reunite him with Ederson and could signal a major defensive upgrade for the Istanbul club.