Manuel Akanji’s story has quietly become one of the most interesting subplots in Manchester City’s modern era of dominance. The Swiss defender, once a key part of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning machine, is now writing a different chapter of his career away from the Etihad. After joining Inter Milan on loan, Akanji has spoken openly about his future, revealing that he wants to make the move permanent in the summer of 2026. His words confirm what many already suspected — his time at Manchester City may be coming to an end.
It’s been a fascinating journey for the 30-year-old centre-back, whose professionalism, tactical intelligence, and consistency once made him one of Guardiola’s most reliable defenders. Akanji joined Manchester City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund for £15 million — a move that initially raised eyebrows. Few expected him to become a starter so quickly, yet he played a crucial role during City’s incredible 2022/23 season when they lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League trophies. He was calm under pressure, positionally sound, and perfectly suited to Guardiola’s tactical demands.
However, football changes fast, and so does Manchester City. The team that once relied on Akanji now boasts an even deeper defensive roster. With Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, Nathan Aké, John Stones, and Abdukodir Khusanov all competing for limited places, Akanji found himself sliding down the pecking order. Last season, he struggled for regular minutes, and by the summer of 2025, it was clear that his career needed a new direction.
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That opportunity came in the form of a loan move to Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri, looking for depth and reliability in their backline, snapped him up on deadline day, agreeing to a loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. For Akanji, the move wasn’t just about escaping the bench — it was about reigniting his career and securing his spot for Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
From the moment he arrived in Milan, Akanji made an immediate impact. Under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, he quickly established himself as the most-used centre-back in Inter’s system. Italian football values tactical discipline and defensive precision, and Akanji fit right in. His ability to read the game, handle pressure, and play accurate passes from deep has made him a fan favourite.
Speaking after Inter’s 2-1 away win at Hellas Verona, Akanji addressed the growing speculation about his future. “For now, there’s nothing. We’ll see what happens at the end of the season,” he said modestly, when asked whether he would stay in Milan permanently. “I’m trying to do my best on the pitch, and in the end, we’ll see if Inter decide to keep me or not — the decision is up to them. They seem happy, but we’ll see what happens. For now, there’s nothing.”
Those words may sound cautious, but between the lines, they reveal a simple truth: Akanji wants to stay. He feels settled, valued, and comfortable in Italy — things every footballer craves when entering the final stretch of their career. At 30, he’s in his prime, playing regularly, and enjoying his football again. That’s something he couldn’t say during his final season at Manchester City.
The Manchester City hierarchy, now led by sporting director Hugo Viana, understood the defender’s situation. Allowing him to leave on loan was a practical decision — one that benefited both parties. Akanji needed minutes, and City needed space to integrate new players and maintain squad harmony. Guardiola’s rotation system can be ruthless, and while Akanji always gave his best, competition at the Etihad has never been more intense.
What makes Akanji’s story even more relatable is how grounded he remains. Despite his achievements — including two Premier League titles and the treble — he never acted like a superstar. He’s a defender who values structure and simplicity, who enjoys the tactical side of the game, and who has always prioritized consistency over glory.
His comments also reflect a footballer who knows exactly what he wants. For him, regular football and happiness outweigh the lure of staying at one of the world’s richest clubs. Inter, with their passionate fans and emphasis on defensive mastery, offer the perfect environment. “The league (Serie A) is as competitive as I expected,” Akanji added. “I’m trying to do my best within my abilities to help the team. I like the club, the coach, the staff — I’m very happy here.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Inter Milan are already considering activating the buy option in his loan deal. The club’s backline is expected to undergo major changes at the end of the season, with Francesco Acerbi, Stefan de Vrij, and Matteo Darmian all nearing the ends of their contracts. Akanji, younger and already integrated into the system, represents the ideal long-term solution. His calmness under pressure and experience in big matches make him invaluable.
At Manchester City, the situation is different. The club continues to evolve. Guardiola and his staff are preparing for a new generation of defenders, and Akanji’s potential departure is part of that process. Players like Stones face uncertain futures, with his injury record a growing concern. Meanwhile, Ruben Dias remains the defensive leader, Gvardiol is the future, and Khusanov is emerging as a promising talent. In such an environment, there’s little room for a player like Akanji, who needs consistent starts.
This cycle is typical of City’s success under Guardiola. The club has never hesitated to let go of good players when the time is right — whether it was Oleksandr Zinchenko, Aymeric Laporte, or João Cancelo. The philosophy remains the same: footballers come and go, but the system stays. Akanji understands that, which is why his exit will be respectful and professional. There’s no bitterness, only mutual understanding.
For fans, though, it’s another reminder of how quickly football moves on. Akanji’s contributions to City’s treble-winning campaign will never be forgotten. He played with quiet confidence, handled pressure situations in Europe, and adapted to Guardiola’s positional play seamlessly. Whether at right-back, centre-back, or even stepping into midfield during build-up play, he always delivered.
His intelligence was one of his greatest strengths. Guardiola often praised him as one of the most tactically aware defenders he had coached, capable of switching positions mid-game without losing composure. It’s easy to forget how crucial that adaptability was during City’s most dominant phase.
Now, at Inter, Akanji is rediscovering the joy of being a guaranteed starter. He’s earning praise not only from fans but from Italian media, who admire his calm approach to defending. Serie A has always been a haven for technically gifted and intelligent defenders — from Maldini to Chiellini — and Akanji fits that tradition perfectly.
If Inter do make the deal permanent next summer, it will likely be for a modest fee, making it an excellent piece of business. For City, it would represent another successful example of their player-trading model — signing a player for a reasonable price, getting top performances for several seasons, and selling at the right time.
From Akanji’s perspective, the timing feels right. By 2026, he’ll want stability and a club where he’s central to the project. He’ll also want to stay in top form heading into the World Cup, where Switzerland will rely heavily on his experience. Playing week in, week out in Italy offers the perfect preparation.
His case also mirrors that of Jack Grealish, who is on loan at Everton this season and faces an uncertain future at City. Guardiola’s system is constantly evolving, and only those who perfectly fit the tactical puzzle remain long-term. Akanji knows that, and instead of waiting for another season on the bench, he’s taking control of his career.
In many ways, his decision reflects the maturity of modern footballers who value opportunity and happiness over prestige. Akanji’s calm manner and professionalism have earned him respect from fans, teammates, and journalists alike. When he eventually leaves City permanently, it will be without drama — just quiet appreciation for what he gave.
Inter’s supporters, on the other hand, are thrilled. They see him as a symbol of reliability in a team that’s rebuilding for another Scudetto push. His performances have helped stabilize their defence, and his chemistry with teammates has been noticeable. He may not be the loudest voice in the dressing room, but on the pitch, his presence speaks volumes.
As the 2025–26 season progresses, the likelihood of Inter exercising their purchase option grows stronger. Unless something drastic changes, Akanji’s future appears set in Italy. It’s the natural continuation of a career that’s always been defined by intelligence, hard work, and quiet excellence.
At Manchester City, his departure will close another chapter in Guardiola’s constant evolution. Akanji will leave as part of a group that brought unprecedented success to the club. He was never a headline grabber, but his contribution was immense — the kind of player every manager dreams of having.
In the end, Akanji’s story isn’t about regret or what could have been. It’s about knowing when to move on and doing so with grace. He gave City everything, helped them win it all, and now seeks the next challenge. His heart may always carry a bit of the Etihad with it, but Milan is where his future lies.
By summer 2026, Manuel Akanji will likely complete his transformation from Manchester City’s quiet warrior to Inter Milan’s defensive general. And as he continues to shine in Serie A, even the most loyal City fans will look on with pride, remembering him not as a player who left — but as one who gave his best and moved forward with dignity.
