Crystal Palace Express Interest in Manchester City Defender Manuel Akanji
Crystal Palace have initiated contact to explore the possibility of acquiring Manchester City’s defender Manuel Akanji. While no formal offer has been lodged yet, insiders have revealed to BBC Sport that the Premier League club is actively monitoring the Swiss international’s situation.
Potential Transfer Fee and Competing Interest
Manchester City are reportedly valuing Akanji at approximately £15 million. The 30-year-old has not featured in City’s opening two Premier League fixtures this season, which has sparked speculation about his future. Alongside Palace, Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray have also shown interest in securing the defender’s services.
Akanji’s Journey and Role at Manchester City
Since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Akanji has been a valuable squad member, notably starting in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final where City triumphed over Inter Milan to complete a historic treble. Despite this, his playing time this season has been limited, reflecting the club’s evolving defensive options.
Manchester City’s Summer Transfer Strategy and Squad Management
Following an aggressive summer transfer window where City invested over £150 million in six new players, manager Pep Guardiola has emphasized the necessity of trimming the squad. Guardiola recently commented on the importance of balancing the team size, stating, “It’s not sustainable to carry such a large group of players. Discussions with players and their representatives are ongoing to reach suitable outcomes.”
Goalkeeper Situation and Related Transfers
Among the players linked with exits is goalkeeper Ederson, who is rumored to be moving to Galatasaray, mirroring Akanji’s potential destination. Tottenham Hotspur are also negotiating to sign winger Savinho from City. Currently, City boasts four senior goalkeepers, with new signing James Trafford having started both league matches this season.
Future Prospects for City’s Goalkeeping Roster
Speculation surrounds a possible arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, which would likely necessitate Ederson’s departure. However, club insiders have denied that any personal terms have been finalized with the Italian goalkeeper. Additionally, Stefan Ortega is expected to leave before the transfer deadline on Monday, although no concrete moves have materialized yet.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Crystal Palace and Manchester City
Should Crystal Palace secure Akanji’s signature, it would bolster their defensive options with a player experienced at the highest level of European football. For Manchester City, offloading players like Akanji and Ederson aligns with Guardiola’s vision of a streamlined squad focused on maximizing performance and integrating recent high-profile signings.
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