Galatasaray Start Talks With Man City For Manuel Akanji

Galatasaray have officially approached Manchester City about signing defender Manuel Akanji. The club wants to secure a centre-back before the transfer window shuts.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Reports in Turkey claim that Galatasaray are interested in signing the Switzerland international and have approached Manchester City to ask about a transfer. Galatasaray have submitted a formal offer for the 30-year-old and have even held talks with Akanji‘s camp. The defender has not made a decision about leaving Man City, largely because he remains a regular for the Manchester club. Akanji made 34 Premier League appearances last season and provided three goal contributions as City chased a first league title under Pep Guardiola.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Defending champions Galatasaray began the new Super Lig season with 2 wins in 2 matches and have currently a 6-0 goal balance of scored vs conceded. But their goal is not only dominance in the Turkish League, but also to make deep runs in the Champions League, as reflected by their transfer strategy. Akanji’s future is up in the air amid Galatasaray’s interest, which comes as City consider reshaping their squad.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Galatasaray’s defence received a boost over the summer with the signing of former Leicester City player Caglar Soyuncu. Another centre-back is on the cards, however, particularly after the club lost several players and Akanji is the favoured name in the club.

Galatasaray resume their Turkish Super Lig next weekend, as they wait for City and the player’s approval. Until then, Akanji is a City player, and is expected to help the team in their next match – against Tottenham who also won their opener and may be a competitor to the European spots.