Man City manager Pep Guardiola
Credit: Imago
James Murray
Tue 26 August 2025 12:00, UK
Manuel Akanji has hinted a Manchester City transfer update wasn’t true after going public with his desire to stay.
Man City are aiming to accelerate player sales after Pep Guardiola made it clear he wants to trim his squad before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Fabrizio Romano reported on 20 August Galatasaray are close to reaching an agreement with Man City over a £15million deal for Akanji.
However, the 30-year-old responded to the post by saying “don’t know anything about that”.
Akanji was an unused substitute for the opening-day victory over Wolves, but he was left out of the squad for the defeat against Tottenham on 23 August.
Pep Guardiola Man City looking serious in a white shirt in the middle of the photo
Pep Guardiola is looking to trim his Man City squad before the transfer window closes (Credit: Imago)
Manuel Akanji could reject Man City exit
This article contains exclusive comment fromStefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Football Insider revealed on 22 August Akanji could turn down the opportunity to join Galatasaray as he would prefer to remain at the Etihad Stadium.
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The Switzerland international has made 136 appearances for Man City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “What was interesting is when that rumour came out about Akanji, he replied back to Fabrizio Romano’s post on the fact that Galatasaray had bid, saying he knew nothing about it.
“Now, it’s not the first time a player has done that, but it is quite striking when a player hints it’s just not true, and potentially hints that he doesn’t want to go.
“We have seen that the City players have been particularly reluctant to leave the club, which is not a huge surprise.
“I mean, they’re obviously very well paid, Pep’s the manager, it’s a high-quality organisation to work for and, therefore, it’s not a surprise that players are reluctant to go.
“But it seems like they’re reluctant to go even in a scenario where they’re likely to be struggling for minutes in a World Cup year.”
Manuel Akanji Man City
Manuel Akanji could stay at Man City this summer (Credit: Imago)
Man City work on expensive deals
In terms of other transfer activity, Football Insider revealed on 17 August Xavi Simons and Rodrygo are on Man City’s radar.
However, both would be expensive deals to pull off, while the focus is currently on trimming the squad at the Etihad.
It is believed multiple fringe players could leave Man City before the transfer window closes.
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