Man City Loans Defender Manuel Akanji to Inter Milan with €15m Buy Option

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji is set to join Inter Milan on a season-long loan with a €2 million fee and partial salary coverage by Inter. The deal includes an option to buy Akanji for €15 million, which becomes mandatory if he plays in at least half of Inter's games and the club wins the Serie A title this season. Akanji, who has a contract with City until 2027, preferred a move to a Champions League club, rejecting interest from AC Milan and other teams. Inter's sporting director Hugo Viana aims to reduce Manchester City's squad size, facilitating Akanji's exit. The Switzerland international had not featured for City this season and had attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Tottenham, and AC Milan. Akanji's move reflects a mutual understanding that a change of scenery will benefit all parties involved.