There is a purchase clause that could become mandatory upon the fulfillment of sporting objectives.
Inter have officially confirmed the arrival of Swiss defender Manuel Akanji on loan from Manchester City, in what could prove to be one of the most significant defensive signings of the Serie A season.
The deal, which includes an upfront loan fee of two million euros, also comes with a purchase option set at 15 million euros. That clause will automatically become an obligation if Akanji features in at least half of Inter’s matches this season, making it highly likely that the Swiss international will remain at the club beyond the current campaign.
The transfer is seen as a major coup for the Nerazzurri, who had been searching for experienced reinforcements at the back following injuries and departures in recent months. Akanji’s profile a composed, tactically intelligent, and physically strong defender with Champions League experience fits perfectly into Simone Inzaghi’s system. The club sees him not only as a short-term solution but also as a potential long-term pillar of the backline, capable of partnering with Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan de Vrij in Inter’s three-man defense.
At 30 years old, Akanji brings a wealth of experience from both the Bundesliga and the Premier League. Having started his professional career at FC Basel, he made a name for himself in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, where he became known for his reading of the game, ability to step into midfield with the ball, and calmness under pressure. His performances in the Bundesliga earned him a move to Manchester City in 2022, where he slotted seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s tactical system. Over the course of two full seasons, he featured in 136 matches across all competitions, becoming a reliable and versatile option for the English champions.
During his time at City, Akanji collected an impressive list of honors, including multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and most notably the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023. His adaptability being able to play as a central defender, in a back three, or even as a makeshift full-back was highly valued by Guardiola, who often praised Akanji’s intelligence and professionalism. Despite this, the depth of talent in City’s defense, coupled with the club’s constant pursuit of new reinforcements, meant that Akanji was not guaranteed consistent game time moving forward.
Inter were not the only club to recognize the opportunity. Both Crystal Palace and AC Milan expressed strong interest in acquiring the defender over the summer. Palace saw Akanji as an ideal candidate to bring stability and leadership to their backline, while Milan reportedly considered him as a potential partner for Fikayo Tomori. However, Inter’s decisive negotiations, combined with the player’s desire to compete for titles in Italy and continue playing at the highest level in European competitions, tipped the balance in the Nerazzurri’s favor.
For Switzerland, Akanji has long been a cornerstone of the national team. He has represented his country in multiple major tournaments, including the World Cup and the European Championship, often serving as the defensive leader thanks to his composure and organizational skills. Inter believe his international pedigree will be invaluable, particularly in high-stakes matches in Serie A and the Champions League.
This move also highlights Inter’s ongoing strategy of combining experienced internationals with younger prospects in order to maintain competitiveness while managing finances carefully. With financial fair play rules in mind, the loan-plus-obligation structure provides flexibility for the club while ensuring they secure a player of proven quality.
The upcoming months will be crucial not only for Akanji’s adaptation to Serie A but also for Inter’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. His debut is expected to generate considerable excitement among fans, who are eager to see how he integrates into Inzaghi’s tactical setup. Should Akanji perform as anticipated, Inter may well have found the defensive reinforcement that helps them mount another serious title challenge.
