Manuel Akanji left Manchester City last summer to join Inter Milan on loan for the 2025-26 season

One of the most talked-about developments surrounding Manchester City in recent weeks has been the growing uncertainty around several defenders and their long-term futures at the club, with reports now suggesting that a permanent exit to Italy has already been completed for one player, while another could soon follow the same path in a major Serie A shake-up that may reshape Pep Guardiola’s defensive options ahead of next season.

The situation begins with Manuel Akanji, a defender who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and quickly established himself as a reliable and intelligent option in Pep Guardiola’s system. Known for his calmness under pressure, ability to play in multiple positions across the back line, and tactical discipline, Akanji became an important figure during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

During the iconic 2022/23 season, Akanji played a vital role in City’s historic treble-winning campaign. While much of the attention naturally went to attacking stars and headline performers, Akanji’s contribution was crucial in maintaining balance at the back. His consistency allowed Guardiola to rotate defenders, adjust formations, and maintain control in key matches across the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup competitions.

He followed that up by continuing to play a significant role in the 2023/24 season when City secured a fourth consecutive Premier League title, further cementing his place as a dependable and trusted squad member. Although he rarely grabbed headlines, his importance inside the system was widely acknowledged by coaches and teammates.

However, football moves quickly, and squad evolution is constant at the highest level.

Akanji eventually left Manchester City on loan to Inter Milan ahead of the 2025/26 season, with an option included in the deal that allowed the Italian giants to make the move permanent if certain performance-related conditions were met. That clause now appears to have been triggered.

Reports indicate that Inter Milan have completed a permanent transfer for Akanji, reportedly valued at around £13 million. The move is said to have been confirmed after all conditions attached to the loan agreement were fulfilled, meaning the Swiss international is now officially an Inter player on a full-time basis.

The defender’s impact in Italy has been immediate and significant. Akanji has reportedly become a key figure in Inter’s defensive structure, helping the club secure domestic success and contributing to a season that ended with silverware. His adaptation to Serie A football has been smooth, showcasing his tactical intelligence, positioning, and composure on the ball.

For Inter, the decision to sign him permanently reflects their confidence in his long-term value. For Manchester City, it represents the end of a chapter involving a player who played an important but often understated role during one of the most dominant eras in English football history.

Akanji’s departure also highlights the natural cycle of change at elite clubs. Even players who contribute to historic achievements eventually move on when systems evolve, new signings arrive, and tactical priorities shift. In Akanji’s case, his time at City will be remembered for professionalism, versatility, and quiet consistency rather than flashy headlines.

His ability to play through injury, especially during demanding periods when the squad was stretched, also earned him respect within the dressing room. That commitment often went unnoticed outside the club but was highly valued internally.

Now, as he continues his career in Italy, his success at Inter serves as a reminder of the depth and quality Manchester City have built over the years, where even squad players are capable of thriving at top European clubs after leaving the Premier League champions.

But Akanji may not be the only City defender heading to Serie A.

Reports also suggest that Nathan Aké, another key defensive figure for Manchester City, could be set for a possible exit this summer, with multiple Italian clubs monitoring his situation closely.

Aké has been one of the most dependable defenders in Guardiola’s squad since arriving from Bournemouth. His versatility has been a major asset, allowing him to operate as a centre-back or left-back depending on tactical requirements. His intelligence, calm defending, and ability to adapt to different roles have made him a valuable part of City’s system.

Like Akanji, Aké has contributed significantly during some of the club’s most successful seasons. His performances in high-pressure matches, including domestic cup finals and key Premier League fixtures, have demonstrated his reliability in crucial moments.

However, recent reports suggest that his long-term future at the club may now be uncertain, with interest emerging from several Serie A teams including AS Roma, Juventus, and AC Milan. All three clubs are reportedly exploring defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season, and Aké’s profile fits the type of experienced, tactically disciplined defender that Italian football often values.

The idea of a move to Italy is not necessarily surprising. Serie A has become an attractive destination for experienced Premier League defenders in recent years, offering a slightly different tactical environment that rewards positioning and game intelligence over physical intensity alone.

For a player like Aké, whose strengths lie in reading the game, timing tackles, and maintaining structure, the Italian league could be a natural fit. His ability to adapt to different systems could allow him to extend his career at the highest level while continuing to play a key role in a competitive environment.

From Manchester City’s perspective, any potential departure would need to be carefully considered. Squad depth has been one of the club’s biggest strengths under Guardiola, and replacing experienced defenders is never straightforward. However, City’s recruitment strategy has always focused on long-term planning, and transitions are managed with precision rather than panic.

If Aké were to leave, it would mark the departure of another experienced defensive leader, further signalling a period of gradual evolution within the squad. With City constantly competing across multiple competitions, maintaining balance between experience and youth becomes essential.

The possibility of both Akanji and Aké playing in Serie A next season also highlights a broader trend in modern football, where Premier League players are increasingly moving to Italy in search of new challenges, tactical variety, and extended playing careers.

For fans of Manchester City, these developments may feel like the end of familiar defensive partnerships, but they also reflect the natural progression of a squad that continues to evolve year after year at the highest level.

Guardiola’s system has always relied on adaptability, and while individual players come and go, the structure of the team remains constant. New defenders will arrive, new combinations will be formed, and the cycle will continue as City aim to maintain their dominance in English and European football.

What is clear is that both Akanji’s confirmed move and the growing speculation around Aké underline a significant moment of transition. One player has already completed his journey from Manchester to Milan, while another may soon follow, potentially reshaping defensive dynamics across both the Premier League and Serie A.

As the summer transfer window approaches, more clarity will emerge. But for now, Manchester City find themselves at the centre of another evolving story, where success, change, and opportunity continue to define the club’s modern era.