Manuel Akanji’s journey in Italian football is heading toward a permanent conclusion. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan is finalizing details to exercise the purchase option for the 30-year-old defender from Manchester City. The deal, valued at 15 million euros, is expected to be formalized this May 2026.
Akanji, who arrived at the San Siro in September 2025 on an initial 1-million-euro loan, has exceeded the “Nerazzurri” board’s expectations, becoming a fundamental piece in the tactical three-man defense.
Tactical Success in Milan
The Swiss international wasted no time adapting to Serie A. Playing predominantly as the right-sided center-back, Akanji brought the versatility he displayed during his time under Pep Guardiola, but with the defensive consistency required by Italian football. His ball-playing ability and game reading transformed him into the most utilized defender in the squad this season.
- The Inzaghi Factor: The coach identified Akanji as the ideal balance between physical strength and technical quality for his defensive line.
- The Manchester City Factor: With a crowded defensive sector and the player reaching age 30, the “Citizens” saw the sale as an opportunity to recoup the investment made in 2022.
- Player’s Desire: Akanji himself had already publicly expressed his happiness in Milan and his wish to stay at the club long-term.
2025/26 Season Numbers
By the end of April 2026, Akanji accumulated impressive statistics that justify Inter’s investment:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Minutes | Average Rating |
| Serie A | 31 | 2 | 2,642 | 7.17 |
| Champions League | 10 | 0 | 710 | 6.90 |
Behind the Deal
Negotiations flowed without major obstacles due to the excellent relationship between the clubs and the player’s immediate impact. Although there was an obligation-to-buy clause linked to certain milestones, Inter decided to seal the deal regardless of those triggers, securing the “human calculator” for the coming seasons.
With documentation in the final verification stage, an official announcement is expected in the coming weeks. For City, it marks the end of a victorious cycle for a player who was vital in the historic Treble conquest; for Inter, it consolidates a defense aiming to maintain its dominance in Italy.
