Manuel Akanji is reportedly nearing a move away from Manchester City this summer and the Swiss international has attracted interest from Serie A.
Will Manuel Akanji Leave Manchester City?
In a surprising turn of events, the Manchester City star has been linked with a move away from the Premier League despite an impressive spell with the Cityzens across recent years.
The Swiss defender moved to the Etihad in September 2022 and has gone on to make 136 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, an FA Cup, UEFA Supercup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Akanji played a vital part in City’s historic treble-winning campaign during the 2022/23 campaign and continued to be a regular starter under Pep Guardiola.
However, the former Borussia Dortmund defender has now been linked with a summer exit and is heavily rumored to be joining Galatasaray before the end of this window.
If Akanji were to leave the club this summer, then it would make a significant turning point, as some of City’s most iconic players have also moved on this summer including Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne – while Ederson has also been linked with a move to Serie A.
His deal in Manchester is set to expire in June 2027, meaning the former Premier League champions are in no rush to sell Akanji this summer and can demand a fair price for the 30-year-old.
Despite this, the Swiss international did not feature during Manchester City’s opening league fixture against Wolves and appears to have fallen down the pecking order following Rayan Ait Nouri’s move to the Etihad.
With the rumors over Akanji leaving the club starting to pick-up speed, a host of sides across Europe are reportedly monitoring the situation and the 30-year-old has now caught the eye of Juventus.
Could Manuel Akanji Move To Serie A?
The Manchester City stalwart is well-regarded across Europe after successful spells in his home nation, Germany and England, meaning he will not be scrambling for a new home.
His move away from the Premier League is far from certain, but Akanji could be on his way to Italy and may take a spot in the back-line at Juventus.
Igor Tudor took the reins on a permanent basis following a successful spell as interim last season, guiding Juve back into the top four and qualifying for the Champions League.
The Old Lady mad their mark in the opening stages of this transfer window, signing Jonathan David and Joao Mario, while also bringing in multiple players on a permanent deal following their loan spells last season.
Juve are also looking to bring another former loanee from last year as Juventus are continuing their pursuit for Randal Kolo Muani and could use the imminent sale of Dusan Vlahovic to fund a deal.
Igor Tudor has been utilizing a back-three to great effect in Juventus’ pre-season run, remaining undefeated from the four matches and this system may suit Akanji.
There has been no contact between Juventus and Akanji at this current moment in time, however, reports suggest that Guardiola is willing to sell the Swiss defender if an appropriate offer is made.
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