Deadline Day Transfer News: Inter draws Akanji on loan from Manchester City

Inter Milan has signed versatile defender Manuel Akanji on loan from Manchester City and wants to strengthen his backline after a 2-1 loss for Udinese in the Serie A on the weekend.

The defensive weaknesses of Inter were also exposed in the humiliating 5-0 route by Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Champions League last season.

Inter announced the move on Tuesday and said that the deal contains an option for a permanent signature, «that will be an obligation if certain conditions are met.» The 30-year-old Akanji was a favorite of Pep Guardiola when City won a Treble in 2023, but was part of a clearance because the English club recently recruited younger players.

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Akanji is usually a center back, but the international of Switzerland can also play on both fullback positions.

Akanji appeared 136 performances in three years before City, scored five goals and helps City to two Premier League titles, a FA Cup, a community shield, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup and a club world cup.

He also made 71 performances for his national team and was appointed as the tournament team when Switzerland reached the quarterfinals of last year’s European championship. Although Akanji will also be reminded because he has not converted the decisive kick in a loss of penalty shootout in England at Euro 2024.

Inter’s 37-year-old center back Francesco Acerbi struggled in the loss for Udinese on Sunday and was at the center of controversy when he dropped a call to the Italian team in May.

Published on 02 September 2025