Manuel Akanji has joined Inter on loan from Manchester City, with the deal turning permanent if the Nerazzurri clinch the Serie A title.
- Akanji signs for Inter on a €2m loan
- Obligation triggers if the Nerazzurri win Serie A
- Swiss international replaces Marseille-bound Pavard
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Inter sealed a deadline-day move for Akanji, signing the Switzerland international on loan from City for a €2 million fee. The €15m (£13m/$16m) obligation to buy will be triggered if the Nerazzurri win the 2025-26 Serie A title and if the defender features in at least 50 per cent of their matches, according to . A former AC Milan target, Akanji chose Inter largely because of their Champions League participation and title ambitions.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The deal reflects Inter’s intent to strengthen their defence after losing Pavard, who is heading to Marseille. For City, the move frees up space in a well-stocked backline while allowing the 30-year-old to gain regular minutes before the 2026 World Cup. Inter’s rivals will also note the Nerazzurri’s ability to land a player wanted by Milan, underlining their transfer power.
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TELL ME MORE…
At City, Akanji won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup but faced inconsistency and injuries last term. He now gets a fresh start in Serie A, where the Nerazzurri view him as an ideal replacement for Pavard.
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WHAT NEXT FOR INTER AND AKANJI?
The ex-Borussia Dortmund star is expected to slot straight into Cristian Chivu's defensive rotation. Should the Serie A side mount a successful Scudetto challenge with Akanji as a regular starter, the obligation clause will activate, making the Swiss defender a permanent signing. For City, how Akanji performs in Italy will also shape Pep Guardiola’s defensive rebuild, especially with Vitor Reis due back next summer.