Turkish champions, Galatasaray are pushing hard to sign Manuel Akanji from Manchester City this summer. Softfootball understands that officials of the Turkish side are already in the UK as they try to finalise the deal for the Switzerland international to join them this season.
Pep Guardiola is open to the idea of the player leaving despite being one of Manchester City’s best defenders in recent years.
According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Guardiola is desperate to reduce his squad size after the influx of players in January and this summer.
Fabrizio revealed:
“Galatasaray are on a mission in UK to try advance for Manuel Akanji deal with Manchester City.
“Negotiations underway with both Man City and player side, agreement still not reached.
“Man City are open to selling Akanji as Pep Guardiola wants squad to be reduced.”
Galatasaray are keen to sign the 30-year-old as soon as possible before the September 2 deadline to register their squad for the UEFA Champions League.
Also, the Turkish Super Lig transfer deadline ends on September 12. Interestingly, Galatasaray Coach, Okan Buruk wants Akanji because of his versatility. He can play as a central defender, right back or a central midfielder in the number 6 role.
Reports also claims that Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen has personal called Akanji to try convince him to join the Turkish side this season.
Akanji has ties with Nigeria as he has a Nigerian father and a Swiss mother and decided to represent Switzerland but still keeps in touch with his friends and family from the West African country.
However, with Manchester City and Galatasaray negotiate a possible fee for Akanji, he retains the final decision of he wants to leave the Etihad this summer or not.
Manuel Akanji joined Manchester City from German Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has two years left on his contract with the Cityzens.
