Manchester City’s main focus for the final phase of the summer transfer window is to trim down the size of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The legendary coach made it known last season that he did not want to work with a big group throughout the 2025/26 campaign and reiterated that point after City’s 4-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.
The Spaniard made it clear at Molineux who he is open to letting go, as Ilkay Gundogan, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake were the only outfield players not brought on to the field of play.
It was reported this week that Galatasaray are interested in Akanji and that the Manchester club were open to the move, and the Turkish club have now taken their pursuit of the defender one step further.
Manuel Akanji warming up head of playing for Manchester City vs Al-Hilal.
Photo by Elsa – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Galatasaray arrive in the UK to negotiate for Manuel Akanji
Galatasaray have been interested in several of Man City’s players this summer as the Turkish giants continue to work on a deal for Ederson.
Despite not having that transfer wrapped up yet, Fabrizio Romano reports that Galatasaray representatives have arrived in the UK to negotiate a deal with Man City for Akanji.
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“Galatasaray are on a mission in the UK to try to advance a deal for Manuel Akanji with Manchester City,” the Italian journalist posted on X.
“Negotiations are underway on both Man City and the player’s side, with an agreement still not reached. Man City are open to selling Akanji as Pep Guardiola wants the squad to be reduced.”
🚨🟡🔴 Galatasaray are on a mission in UK to try advance for Manuel Akanji deal with Manchester City.
Negotiations underway with both Man City and player side, agreement still not reached.
Man City are open to selling Akanji as Pep Guardiola wants squad to be reduced. pic.twitter.com/X4iMQ3S2ip
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 20, 2025
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Victor Osimhen is said to have called Akanji to convince him to move to Galatasaray, and it remains to be seen if the defender will be open to the move.
It was originally planned for the centre-back to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, as Guardiola has been a fan of Akanji from the off, labelling the 30-year-old as a “really intelligent” player via mancity.com after making his Man City debut in a Champions League clash with Sevilla.
Galatasaray will meet with Hugo Viana this week
Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu has reported that Galatasaray’s representatives will meet with Man City’s Director of Football, Hugo Viana, this week as the Turkish club look to get a deal for Akanji over the line.
It is uncertain if talks will advance over the future of Ederson as part of the same trip, as an agreement has yet to be reached between the two clubs for the Brazilian, and it is a transfer the Manchester club will want done quickly so they can sign a replacement.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is waiting in the wings for Man City as the Italian goalkeeper is open to moving to the Premier League giants; however, a deal cannot be completed until the future of Ederson is resolved.