
UEFA Champions League
One of the most anticipated movements in the transfer market is taking shape. Manuel Akanji will be the subject of solid rumors in the coming months: according to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan has decided to sign him from Manchester City in the summer of 2026, even if the purchase obligation clause is not activated.
Inter's Plan with Manuel Akanji
Internal negotiations at Inter point to an outlay of around 15 million euros for the defender's transfer. This figure is reportedly already included in budgets and sports schemes, barring unforeseen events in the next eight months.
The current operation format is a loan from Manchester City with a purchase option for the mentioned 15 million euros; however, Inter would proceed even if the conditions linked to that clause are not met. Club sources assure that the sporting management is "very satisfied" with the Swiss player's performance since his arrival, reinforcing the belief that his loan will turn into a permanent contract.
In Manchester, the situation also propels this move. Increasing competition in the squad, coupled with the arrival of young defenders, would have relegated Akanji in the hierarchy of the English club.
Manchester City, Inter Milan, and the Market Context
Since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Akanji has established himself as a versatile asset in defense. However, with the constant squad renewal and focus on long-term projects, his continuity was in doubt.
For Inter, this operation fills an obvious need: bolstering a backline seeking stability and experience. The Milan club has shown ambition in recent markets, particularly in targeting strategic signings to regain prominence in Italy and Europe.
In the broader transfer market landscape, such pre-arranged deals are not uncommon but require institutional firmness, financial backing, and tactical conviction. If Inter indeed acts as it seems determined, it will move ahead even before clauses become enforceable.
Agreed Signing
Even though the formal agreement may not be finalized until 2026, work in Milan proceeds as if it were certain. This advanced preparation—exploring contractual paths, anticipating amortizations, and fitting the player into the project—reflects a strategy of "early" acquisition. Essentially, the club has already set its sights on Akanji as an imminent signing.
Inter preempt risks: if undesirable offers or surprises arise at City, their stance is already defined. According to Romano, the deal "would be around" 15 million and "is already planned internally."
The real outcome will be known in the summer of 2026, during the transfer window. However, what is certain is that Manuel Akanji is already the subject of a meticulously planned and ambitious operation. Inter Milan has the conviction, the numbers, and its focus on the Swiss player, while Manchester City contemplates an agreed departure with logical sporting and financial sense.
Time will tell, but it is already evident: the destiny of Manuel Akanji is on the horizon, dressed in nerazzurro blue.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Inter de Milán va a sacar a un jugador del Manchester City por sólo 15 "kilos"