Manuel Akanji in action for Man City, Thomas Frank in a circular inset
Credit: Imago
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sat 30 August 2025 9:30, UK
Man City are ready to accept an offer for Manuel Akanji in the closing stages of the transfer window after Tottenham joined the race.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about the 30-year-old’s future at the Etihad before the deadline on 1 September.
Spurs are one of a number of teams interested in the centre-back, who could be allowed to leave the Etihad if “the right offer” comes in over the next few days.
Tottenham have made an approach for Akanji, while the likes of Galatasaray, AC Milan and Crystal Palace have also been linked with moves in recent weeks.
There is a feeling that the Switzerland international still has a role to play under Pep Guardiola, but he could fall victim to the boss’ mass overhaul of his squad.
This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that seven players could leave Man City with major changes already underway.
Manuel Akanji being substituted on for Man City
Credit: Imago
Manuel Akanji snubs Man City exit as Tottenham join race
Football Insider revealed on 22 August that Akanji could turn down Galatasaray after hitting back at claims that a deal with the Turkish giants was close.
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The Turkish giants have been active in the window and are not afraid to spend money, having landed the likes of Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane already.
However, O’Rourke explained that they have now been joined in their pursuit by Tottenham, with interest set to spike should City show a willingness to let him go.
“It’s a strange one that City would even consider letting Akanji go,” he told Football Insider.
“Obviously, he’s been strongly linked with Galatasaray with reports suggesting that the Turkish club were looking to sign him.
“He hasn’t started their games against Wolves or Tottenham, but I still think he has a role to play in the Man City team.
Pep Guardiola Man City
Credit: Imago
“Guardiola has made it quite clear he is looking to trim his squad and reduce the numbers in there.
“So if the right offer came in for Akanji, it looks like City would be willing to cash in on him.
“If Akanji is allowed to leave City in the closing stages of the transfer window, there will be a lot of strong interest in him.
“It looks like Tottenham are the latest side to make a move, but it will come down to whether City are prepared to let him go.”
Pep Guardiola responds to Spurs interest in Savinho
Akanji is not the only player being linked with a move away from City in the closing stages of the window, with Tottenham still pursuing a deal for Savinho.
Football Insider revealed on 29 August that Man City are reluctant to see Savinho leave despite two bids from Spurs, who are pushing to agree terms.
Savinho in a Man City shirt running during a match
Credit: Imago
Guardiola is believed to be keen to keep hold of the flashy winger and is calling on the City hierarchy to price him out of a move to North London.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Tottenham are still working to sign Savinho as he is one of Thomas Frank’s top attacking targets.
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