Manuel Akanji sends Man City message as exit beckons
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(Imago)
Aasif Rahman
Thu 28 August 2025 15:10, UK
Man City defender Manuel Akanji has issued an update on where his attention lies amid growing speculation over his future.
Pep Guardiola’s side have endured a mixed start to the new season, after opening with a win over Wolves before Man City suffered a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.
One notable absentee from the squad was Akanji, who was also a unused substitute against Wolves, which only fuelled talk of a possible departure.
Crystal Palace are the latest club to show interest in Akanji, with uncertainty still surrounding Marc Guehi’s situation.
The Swiss international had already been linked with Galatasaray earlier in the window, but Akanji hit back at Fabrizio Romano on Instagram, dismissing those rumours.
Now, with speculation continuing, the 30-year-old has shared a message making clear where his focus remains as the transfer window edges towards its conclusion.
Credit: Imago
While his long-term future remains uncertain, Akanji has shown he is still fully involved with Manchester City’s preparations despite being left out of the most recent squad.
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The defender shared a reel on his Instagram story featuring several clips from training as City gear up to face Brighton on 31 August.
An exit remains a possibility for the Swiss international, with sections of the City fanbase suggesting the club should cash in on Akanji if a bid of around £15million arrives from potential suitors.
He had impressed earlier in the summer during the Club World Cup, delivering assured performances despite City’s disappointing campaign.
However, Guardiola appears to be prioritising the tried-and-tested partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones, leaving Akanji weighing up his options.
(Credit Imago)
As speculation around Akanji continues, another senior figure could also be on the move this summer.
Football Insider revealed Ilkay Gundogan is among three players who could depart City before the transfer deadline on 1 September.
Guardiola is pushing to streamline his squad, with City looking to accelerate sales before the window closes.
The summer has already seen a number of high-profile exits, including Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, and now Gundogan could follow Akanji out the door in what has become a significant period of transition.