Manchester City have shown their best and worst so far in their latest Premier League title challenge with a win and defeat in their opening two games.
Looking to reclaim their title from defending champions Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s side are in the middle of a much-needed rebuild at the Etihad Stadium. With a week remaining in the transfer window, Guardiola is still looking to offload players from his bloated City squad.
Against Tottenham this weekend, Manuel Akanji and Ilkay Gundogan were both left out of the squad for rotation purposes. The pair have been linked with transfers to Galatasaray, as has goalkeeper Ederson.
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-MAN CITY
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
And now it seems Akanji is attracting interest from the Premier League, with Crystal Palace said to have approached City for the Switzerland international.
Crystal Palace ask Man City about Manuel Akanji amid Marc Guehi speculation – report
According to Sky Sports News, Crystal Palace have made an approach to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, 30, in the final week of the transfer window in a reported £15m deal.
Akanji has over 130 appearances for City over three years since his bargain move from Borussia Dortmund and was a key part of their treble-winning side in 2023. He has a contract until 2027 at the Etihad but could be allowed to leave to reduce Pep Guardiola’s squad size.
BREAKING: Crystal Palace have made an approach for Manchester City defender, Manuel Akanji 🚨
The South London club look to be in the market for a centre-back, with Liverpool interested in a move for Marc Guehi. pic.twitter.com/zWV4Mu9hBM
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 26, 2025
View Tweet
With Palace bracing themselves for Marc Guehi’s exit this week, rather than let him run down his contract, Akanji could be an elite replacement who would bring title-winning experience to Selhurst Park.
However, in selling Akanji, City may be inadvertently boosting Liverpool’s squad when they are already favourites for the Premier League title.
Man City would be weakening their own title chances by selling Manuel Akanji
On one hand, Pep Guardiola has been clear of the need to reduce his squad size as he is currently forced to omit senior players from his squad each week, so Palace’s reported interest in Akanji could come at a beneficial time.
Marc Guehi in action for Crystal Palace against Fredrikstad in a UEFA Conference League Play-off
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
But on the other, Akanji can play at both centre-back and right-back and has been slightly more reliable than John Stones when it comes to injuries. Akanji has operated in the midfield areas at times, so losing him would place more pressure on City’s thin options at full-back.
And then there is the Liverpool factor. If Akanji was Palace’s replacement for Guehi, Liverpool would have quality cover at centre-back, strengthening their chances of retaining their Premier League title.
So City may have to choose between prioritising their own long-term plans against potentially handing Liverpool another weapon in this season’s title race.