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(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 22 August 2025 11:17, UK

Manuel Akanji could turn down the opportunity to move to Galatasaray as he would prefer to remain at Man City beyond the summer window.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 30-year-old future at the Etihad and his stance on a potential exit.

This comes after the defender disputed claims from Fabrizio Romano that a deal had been agreed for his transfer, throwing his situation into uncertainty.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man City are aiming to accelerate player sales after Guardiola make clear his demands to trim his squad.

However, Akanji is considered unlikely to be among those players as he still has a strong role to play as a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s defensive line.

Given the injury issues of the likes of John Stones and City’s defensive problems the Switzerland international remains an important squad player at the Etihad.

Manuel Akanji has been a consistent performer for Man City.

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Galatasaray have been linked with a number of City’s star players this summer, with Akanji joining Ilkay Gungogan and Ederson on their list.

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The Turkish giants have been active in the window and are not afraid to spend money, having landed the likes of Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane already.

However, O’Rourke explained that the only way Akanji will likely make that move is if Galatasaray make an offer that is too good to turn down for City and the player.

“I’m surprised even that Manchester City are considering letting Akanji go,” he told Football Insider.

“It was interesting that Akanji hit back at claims from Fabrizio Romano this week after Romano claimed that Galatasaray were closing an agreement with Manchester City.

“Akanji saying that he didn’t know anything about it in response to that social media post from Romano.

“We know Pep Guardiola is looking to trim the size of his squad, but whether that includes Akanji remains to be seen.

“I would be surprised because he’s been a trusted lieutenant for Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola is keen to trim his Man City squad.

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“Akanji is in no rush to leave Manchester City.

He’s playing down suggestions that a move to Galatasaray is close, he’s not overly keen on that potential move to Galatasaray.

“John Stones had a lot of injury issues last season and City had a few defensive issues, so it would be a dangerous move if they were to let Akanji go.

“I find it a strange link, just think City won’t be looking to push him out the door and it looks like a Akanji’s in no rush to leave either.

“So unless Galatasaray put up a big offer that’s too good to turn down, I would imagine Akanji will want to stay at the club.”

Akanji is not the only player asking questions about his position at the Etihad, with James Trafford also emerging as a potential issue following his arrival.

Brown told Football Insider on 22 August that Trafford will seek assurances about his role at City if they follow through with their ambitions of signing Gianluigi Donnarumma.

James Trafford may ask questions of his role at Man City.

(Credit: Imago)

The Italy international would be expected to come in as the first-choice goalkeeper should he arrive from Paris Saint-Germain where he has been made available.

Football Insider revealed on 12 August that City have made a move to sign Donnarumma as they aim to get ahead of rivals in the race for his signature.

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