Borussia Dortmund’s Manuel Akanji Joins Manchester City
Reports have confirmed that the Swiss Central Defender Manuel Akanji has made new ties and signed a five-year deal with the English powerhouse Manchester City. The defender now has played for German club Borussia Dortmund and was looking for a move to an English club and play in the premier league.
Manuel Akanji Received Fee Below Market Value
Manchester City has secured a deal for 17.5 million euros, much below the market value of the Swiss defender, who, according to some estimates, is valued at around €30 million.
This will be the fifth signing of the English giant, who is on a signing spree in the present summer transfer window. Before sealing the deal with the Swiss defender, City had already brought Spanish defender Sergio Gomez, German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and English midfielder Kalvin Phillips into its fold.
And now, the English club will have the services of Swiss defender Akanji who has been capped 41 times by Switzerland. Moreover, he has been part of the squad that reached the top eight of the European Championship the previous year. Interestingly the defender still had one year left in his contract with Borussia Dortmund.
Swiss Central Defender Wanted To Grow
However, sensing an opportunity at the English club, the Swiss international decided to move and now will be part of City’s squad till 2027. Moreover, the 27-year-old Swiss defender will supplement the City’s defense and allow Pep Guardiola more options in this department, which is often marred with injuries.
According to the reports, when Akanji was asked about his move to Manchester City, he revealed that he wanted to grow as a footballer. He believed that City would offer him all the opportunities to bring the best out of him.
He said, “I knew last year at Dortmund that I wanted to take a step to improve and see how far I could go in my career. To take that step at Manchester City with a manager like Pep Guardiola… it couldn’t be better.” He added, “I’m delighted to be here and can’t wait to start.”
The Deal Is Already Rumored
Manchester City has been struggling in its defense department lately. More so regarding the injuries which left Pep Guardiola desperate to search for viable alternatives. They fixed their gaze upon the Swiss defender, who was already cherishing a desire to move to the English club. A few negotiations led the two clubs to reach an agreement and clear the way for the Swiss to move to Manchester City. “Coming here sounds like the perfect next step for my career,” concluded the defender.
Likewise, Manchester City’s bosses seem happy with the deal.
Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City’s director of football, reportedly said, “He has everything we want in a center-back. He is strong, fast, comfortable with the ball at his feet, he has an excellent passing game, and he will be completely complementary to the other defenders of the team and our style of play.”
At the City, Akanji will have a reunion with his former teammate Erick Halland, who moved to Etihad Stadium after penning a five-year deal with Manchester City. After moving in July, Halland quickly rose to prominence with two hattricks and nine total goals in his first five premier league games.
Manchester City Smart Deal
Manchester City will be happy to have acquired the services of Akanji at a much lower price than his current market price. According to the latest estimates, Manuel Akanji currently has a market value of €30 million.
However, City could procure a deal for €18 million only.
Although Dortmund will receive a fee much below the actual value of its former defender, the deal is one of the most expensive ones for Dortmund for a defender. At City, Akinje will be part of the squad, including Nathan Aké, John Stones, Ruben Dias, and Aymeric Laporte. Recent injuries at City might provide Akinje early opportunities to showcase his talent and cement his position in the new team.
Akanji’s Stint With Borussia Dortmund
Akneji has four years with the German club and joined the action in 158 games. In black and yellow jersey, Akanji won the 2019 German Super Cup and German Cup in 2021. On top of that, he also finished second in Bundesliga, next only to Bavaria.
Besides that, Akanji is a regular on the Switzerland team and boasts 41 caps to his name. Playing for his nation, Akanji was at the center of the action in the 2020 Euro Cup that witnessed a scintillating penalty shootout and marked a victory for Switzerland against the world champions France.
