Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji will reportedly make his decision on a possible late summer move to Galatasaray by Thursday afternoon.
According to an update by reputed Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Manuel Akanji is the subject of interest from Galatasaray. The Super Lig champions are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the summer transfer window. So, the 30-year-old Galatasaray defender has emerged as a target for Cimbom.
Manchester City and Galatasaray have reached an agreement over a deal for the Wiesendangen native, with reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Turkish giants will fork out £15 million to secure his services. Meanwhile, Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has revealed that Akanji will respond to Galatasaray in 48 hours, and his final decision should arrive by Thursday afternoon.
Manuel Akanji and his Manchester City career so far
Manuel Akanji has been a reliable performer since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth £15 million in September 2022. The 30-year-old has come leaps and bounds in the last three years, even though he has struggled with a few fitness issues in recent times.
The Swiss international has turned out nearly 150 times thus far for Manchester City while chipping in with five goals and three assists. Meanwhile, Akanji faces an uncertain future at the Etihad, as Pep Guardiola’s central defensive options are stacked. However, the experienced centre-back has no shortage of suitors, with Galatasaray among the clubs vying for his signature in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Turkish adventure beckons?
Galatasaray’s interest in Manuel Akanji is understandable. The Turkish Super Lig champions are scouring the market for a centre-back this summer, as Okan Buruk wants more quality at the heart of the defence. Several candidates have thus emerged on Galataasaray’s radar, with Akanji also a viable target.
Talks between Galatasaray and Manchester City have intensified this week, and the two clubs have struck an agreement on a deal worth £15 million. However, Akanji has yet to give the green light to Cimbom, and the former Borussia Dortmund defender will respond by Thursday afternoon.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Akanji is also a target for Bayer Leverkusen, and recent reports have suggested that Crystal Palace recently submitted a bid worth £15 million to sign him. However, Galatasaray may feel they have a reasonable chance of landing the 30-year-old Swiss defender after striking an agreement with Manchester City.