Credit: Man City YouTube / Imago / Getty Images

Harri Burton

Wed 20 August 2025 11:42, UK

Pep Guardiola shouldn’t stand in Manuel Akanji’s way as Galatasaray come calling for the Man City defender’s signature.

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Galatasaray had previously attempted to sign Ilkay Gundogan during the current summer transfer window, with the Turkish giants now submitting bids for goalkeeper Ederson before 1 September.

Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Man City plan to accept an offer for the Brazilian, with James Trafford taking the number-one spot and Gianluigi Donnarumma being targeted.

Akanji appears to be the next target on manager Okan Buruk’s transfer list, and Guardiola has very little reason not to allow the move to go through before the summer window slams shut in under two weeks.

Galatasaray are after Ederson’s signature.

(Credit: Imago)

During City’s 4-0 win over Wolves in their opening game of the Premier League season, the Swiss international was an unused substitute, which could be a common theme for the months ahead.

John Stones finally looks back to his best, and if he can avoid picking up another long-term injury, the 31-year-old is likely to pair up with Ruben Dias in the centre of defence moving forward.

If the “Barnsley Beckenbauer” is to get injured, Nathan Ake has fully recovered from his own injury issues, joining new signing Abdukodir Khusanov, 21, on the bench.

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John Stones’ stats whilst at Man City ahead of 2025/26.

(Credit: Getty Images)

And speaking of injuries, Akanji missed his fair share of matches for club and country, 19 to be exact, after picking up separate adductor issues throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

That should not take away from the centre-back’s impact at the Etihad, however, having played an important role in City’s recent success of one FA Cup, two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and the UEFA Super Cup.

With 136 appearances to his name since arriving from Borussia Dortmund for just £15m [Sky Sports], the 30-year-old has often been an unsung hero for Guardiola’s side, but it appears time to move on now.

Akanji should be free to leave after three years of dedicated service for the Citizens, writing his name into the history books despite his arrival being greeted with very mixed reactions in September 2022.

Supporters will forever remember the defender for his vital interventions, key headers, and all-round positivity at City, but a move to Galatasaray continues to become more and more likely.

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