Inter Milan surprised the European market by announcing the signing of Manuel Akanji, a 30-year-old Swiss defender, on a one-season loan from Manchester City. The deal, closed on the last day of the summer transfer window on September 2, 2025, includes a purchase option fixed at 15 million euros, which can be triggered if the Italian club wins the Italian Championship and the player participates in at least 50% of the team’s matches in the campaign. The negotiation involved the payment of 2 million euros by Inter just for the loan, highlighting the nerazzurri team’s strategy to strengthen their defense without excessively compromising the immediate budget. Under the command of coach Cristian Chivu, Akanji arrives to fill a gap in the defensive sector, especially after a season in which Inter sought greater solidity to compete on multiple fronts.
The defender opted for the Italian project despite inquiries from rivals like Milan, Tottenham, and Crystal Palace, prioritizing the opportunity to play in a competitive league with high ambitions. This move reflects the dynamism of the market, where Manchester City adjusts its squad after a recent campaign marked by challenges, including an early elimination in the FIFA Club World Cup. With this addition, Inter aims to balance international experience and youth, preparing for challenges in Serie A and continental competitions.
Details of the agreement between Inter and Manchester City
The loan contract establishes clear terms to benefit both parties. Manuel Akanji will remain at Inter until the end of the 2025/2026 season, with the possibility of permanent stay tied to collective and individual achievements. The 2 million euros paid initially represent a modest investment for a proven caliber player, allowing Inter to test his adaptation to the Italian style of play without high risks.
This contractual structure reflects recent trends in European football, where loans with conditional options gain space to mitigate financial uncertainties. Inter, known for its cautious management, used this formula to attract talent without inflating the payroll immediately. Akanji, in turn, gains minutes on the field after a phase of lesser prominence at City, where he played 40 matches in the last season.
- Loan value: 2 million euros paid upfront for the temporary use of the player.
- Purchase option: Fixed at 15 million euros, automatically activated if Inter wins Serie A and Akanji plays in at least 50% of the games.
- Duration: Valid until June 2026, with extension possibility based on performance.
- Additional clauses: Includes protections against injuries and participation goals in European competitions.
The negotiation was conducted discreetly, culminating in the official announcement on Inter’s social media, which highlighted the arrival as a strategic reinforcement for the defense.
Entra in scena un nuovo protagonista nerazzurro: Akanji✨🖤💙#ForzaInter #WelcomeManuel pic.twitter.com/AOv44tkNUm
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) September 2, 2025
Trajectory of Manuel Akanji before arriving at Inter
Manuel Akanji began his professional career at FC Basel in Switzerland, where he stood out for his defensive solidity and ball-playing ability. Born on July 19, 1995, in Neftenbach, the Swiss defender quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs, transferring to Borussia Dortmund in 2018 for about 21.4 million euros. At the German club, he accumulated 119 appearances, contributing to solid campaigns in the Bundesliga and Champions League, with 4 goals and 2 assists in his resume.
In 2022, Manchester City invested 17.5 million euros to bring him in, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. There, Akanji established himself as a versatile piece, capable of playing as a central defender or full-back, participating in 136 matches overall. His contribution was pivotal in achievements like two Premier Leagues, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one FA Cup, and one UEFA Super Cup.
In the most recent season, despite 40 games played, he faced intense competition in the citizens’ squad, which motivated the search for new challenges. His last appearance for City was in the 4-3 defeat to Al-Hilal, in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, marking the end of a victorious era.
Inquiries and decision for Milan
Several clubs showed interest in Manuel Akanji during the negotiations. Milan, Inter’s local rival, presented a competitive proposal, but the defender prioritized the nerazzurri project due to Cristian Chivu’s tactical vision and the opportunity to compete for titles immediately. English clubs like Tottenham and Crystal Palace also inquired about the player, offering returns to the Premier League, but the Italian conditions prevailed.
This choice reflects personal and professional preferences, including proximity to continental European culture and the desire to regain space in the Swiss national team. Akanji, with 64 call-ups for Switzerland and participation in World Cups and Euros, sees Inter as a platform to maintain a high level.
- Interested clubs: Milan (proposal rejected in favor of rival), Tottenham (focus on defensive reinforcement), and Crystal Palace (search for experience).
- Reasons for the choice: Adaptation to Italian style, Chivu’s command, and Inter’s ambitions in Serie A.
- Career impact: Opportunity for more minutes on the field and form recovery after recent injuries.
The decision came after internal discussions at Manchester City, which chose to release the player to adjust the squad.
Inter’s reinforcements in the 2025/2026 season
Manuel Akanji’s arrival is part of a broader strategy by Inter to strengthen the team. In addition to him, the club brought in names like Luis Henrique, former Marseille forward, for 23 million euros, and Ange-Yoan Bonny, from Parma, for the same amount, aiming for greater offensive depth. Other additions include Andy Diouf, midfielder from Lens, for 20 million euros, and Petar, in a similar deal.
These moves occur under Cristian Chivu’s baton, who recently took over and prioritizes balance between defense and attack. Inter, Italian champion in the previous season, seeks to defend the title while advancing in the Champions League.
- Main signings: Luis Henrique (forward, 23 million euros), Bonny (forward, 23 million euros), and Diouf (midfielder, 20 million euros).
- Defensive focus: Akanji adds versatility, complementing defenders like Bastoni and Pavard.
- Budget: Total invested exceeds 80 million euros, with loans helping to manage finances.
- Notable departures: Players like Pavard were loaned out, generating additional revenues of 2.5 million euros.
With these pieces, Inter positions itself as a favorite in the domestic league.
Akanji’s performance in numbers
Manuel Akanji accumulates impressive statistics throughout his career, reinforcing his reputation as a complete defender. At Borussia Dortmund, he recorded an 88% pass accuracy rate in 119 games, with an average of 1.5 interceptions per match. At Manchester City, he elevated these numbers to 91% pass precision and 1.2 tackles per game in 136 appearances.
In the last season, despite challenges, he contributed with 2 goals and 1 assist in 40 matches, maintaining an average of 85 minutes per game. His versatility allows performances in multiple defensive positions, with emphasis on aerial duels won in 65% of disputes.
These data highlight why Inter invested in the player, expecting him to replicate success on Italian soil.
Expectations for Akanji at Inter
Under Cristian Chivu, Manuel Akanji should quickly integrate into Inter’s tactical scheme, which privileges ball possession and quick transitions. The coach, a former defender, sees in the Swiss a ideal profile to lead the defensive line, especially in high-intensity games.
Adapting to Italian football, known for its tactical emphasis, represents a challenge, but Akanji’s international experience facilitates the process. He arrives at a crucial moment, with Inter competing in the Italian Super Cup and preparing for initial Serie A rounds.
- Preferred positions: Right central defender, with capacity for full-back or defensive midfielder.
- Individual goals: Reach 50% participation in games to activate purchase clause.
- Expected contributions: Improvement in ball output and defensive stability in European competitions.
Integration into Inter’s multicultural squad, with players from various nationalities, should speed up his acclimation.
Context of the European transfer window
Akanji’s transfer occurred in a busy period, with clubs adjusting squads on the last day. Manchester City, for example, signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG for 35 million euros, while releasing Ederson to Fenerbahçe for 14 million. These moves illustrate the dynamic flow of goalkeepers and defenders in the market.
In Serie A, Inter competed with rivals like Milan and Juventus for reinforcements, prioritizing loans for compliance with UEFA financial rules. Akanji represents an example of how such agreements benefit teams in transition.
- Key moves: Donnarumma to City (35 million), Ederson to Fenerbahçe (14 million).
- Trends: Increase in loans with conditional options to manage risks.
- Impact on Serie A: Strengthening of defenses in top teams, elevating the competitive level.
These exchanges shape the season, with Akanji at the center of one of the most notable.
