Manuel Akanji close to signing with Fenerbahçe, says Turkish newspaper
Manchester City has reportedly given the green light for Manuel Akanji to begin talks with Fenerbahçe, as the Premier League club evaluates its defensive lineup ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Turkish outlet Fanatik confirmed that negotiations between the player and the Süper Lig club are underway.
Akanji Among Players Expected to Exit Etihad
After a less-than-stellar 2024/25 campaign, City is open to offloading the 30-year-old Swiss defender, who joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for over £15 million. With two years remaining on his current contract, Akanji has fallen down the pecking order behind Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol, who solidified themselves as Pep Guardiola’s preferred central duo late last season.
City’s third-place finish with 71 points prompted a strategic rethink, now being led by new sporting director Hugo Viana. The arrival of Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov in January added further competition, making Akanji a likely candidate for departure.
City Balancing Defensive Depth with Transfer Targets
While Nathan Aké and John Stones remain in the squad, both have struggled with injuries. Stones, who enters the final year of his contract, is also rumored to be on the market. With Guardiola preferring a smaller, more manageable roster, at least one senior defender is expected to leave before the September 1 transfer deadline.
According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, City has formally authorized Akanji to negotiate with Fenerbahçe, who are looking to strengthen their back line ahead of the Turkish league campaign. If a deal is struck, it could open the door for further movement in Manchester’s transfer plans.
Livramento Emerges as Key City Target
Sources close to the club suggest that the sale of Akanji could help fund a move for Valentino Livramento, the Newcastle right-back viewed as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker. With Walker’s departure confirmed, reinforcing the right flank has become a priority.
For now, all eyes are on Istanbul as Fenerbahçe pushes to secure Akanji’s signature — a move that could help City reshape its defensive future.
