Inter Milan to Trigger €15 Million Buy Option for Manchester City Defender Manuel Akanji

Manuel Akanji’s move to Inter Milan becomes permanent as the club triggers a €15m buy option. Fabrizio Romano confirms the May 2026 official announcement.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 3:31 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Finalizing a Long-Term Defensive Pillar

The defensive structure of Inter Milan is set for a permanent reinforcement as the club prepares to formalize the transfer of Manuel Akanji. According to renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Nerazzurri have completed the final administrative steps to transition the 30-year-old’s status from a temporary loan to a permanent fixture at the San Siro. The official announcement is scheduled for May, marking the conclusion of a pursuit that began on the final day of the 2025 summer transfer window. Akanji’s arrival on an initial one-season loan for a fee of €1 million has proven to be a strategic masterstroke, providing the technical staff with a versatile and physically dominant option across multiple competitions.

The Economic Rationale of the Transfer

Financial details revealed by Romano indicate that Inter will pay Manchester City approximately €15 million to secure the central defender’s services. This valuation is widely viewed as a bargain in the current market, considering Akanji’s wealth of experience in the Premier League and his high-level performances in the UEFA Champions League. By triggering the pre-negotiated purchase option, the Inter board has effectively insulated the club against potential bidding wars from other European suitors who have monitored the player's resurgence in Italy. The investment aligns with the club's broader strategy of acquiring proven, high-IQ defenders to maintain their competitive edge in the domestic title race.

Statistical Impact and On-Field Stability

Throughout the 2025–2026 campaign, Akanji has been a model of consistency, featuring in 42 matches across all competitive fronts. While his offensive contributions—totaling two goals—provide an occasional threat during set-pieces, his primary value has been his defensive reliability and passing accuracy. Recording a passing completion rate of 93% in Serie A, the Swiss international has facilitated the deep-lying build-up play favored by the coaching staff. His partnership with Alessandro Bastoni has stabilized a backline that has contributed significantly to Inter’s impressive clean sheet tally this term, helping the team maintain a narrow lead in the race for the Scudetto.