Manuel Akanji has opened up on the reasons behind his Manchester City exit after completing a deadline day move to Inter Milan.
The Swiss international joined the Nerazzurri on loan for the 2025/26 season for a fee in the region of £870,000, according to BBC Sport.
The deal also includes an option to make the move permanent for £13 million.
That clause will automatically become an obligation if Inter win Serie A this season and if Akanji features in at least half of their matches, according to Sky Sport.
Akanji had attracted interest from Crystal Palace, AC Milan and Galatasaray throughout the window but made it clear that his priority was to move to a club competing in the Champions League.
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Why did Akanji leave?
Following his switch to Milan, Akanji has opened up on his reasons for accepting a move away from the Etihad.
“It was not an ideal situation,” the 30-year-old admitted when asked about his departure.
“There were six central defenders in the squad, Pep Guardiola openly told us it wouldn’t be easy for anyone to have regular playing time.
“It was not an ideal situation, but I was well aware of competition for places.”
Since joining City in 2022, Akanji has collected an impressive haul of silverware including two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FA Cup.
However, last season saw the defender struggle for form and fitness, with his inconsistency often leaving him in and out of Guardiola’s starting XI.
Manuel Akanji has joined Inter Milan on loan for the 2025/26 season.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 2, 2025
Best of luck, Manu 🩵
Akanji admitted that while he enjoyed his time in Manchester, the packed competition in defense left him facing tough choices about his future, particularly with next summer’s FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
What does this mean for City?
For City, Akanji’s departure signifies another milestone in Guardiola’s present-and-future rebuild.
They remain well stocked in defense, with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rico Lewis and new arrival Rayan Ait-Nouri all providing plenty of depth.
For Inter, meanwhile, the deal represents a coup.
The Nerazzurri were in search of versatile defensive cover after Benjamin Pavard’s loan move to Olympique Marseille and Akanji will arrive as a ready-made replacement.
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