Crystal Palace ask about signing Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji.
Crystal Palace have reached out to Manchester City regarding defender Manuel Akanji. Although no official offer has been tabled, Palace are said to have shown clear interest in securing the Swiss international.
Manchester City are open to letting Akanji go, but they are understood to be asking for about £15m. The defender has been unused in both of City’s opening Premier League fixtures this season, raising questions about his role under Pep Guardiola.
Turkish champions Galatasaray have also been monitoring Akanji’s situation closely. The Istanbul giants are expected to challenge Palace should City approve his exit.
Akanji joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. He quickly became part of Guardiola’s defensive unit and featured in the club’s treble-winning campaign last year, even starting in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
Earlier in August, Pep Guardiola highlighted the need to trim his squad. After spending more than £150m on six new signings this summer, Guardiola admitted:
“It is not healthy to keep such a big squad. People will talk with players and agents to find a solution.”
This has already fueled speculation around several City players, with goalkeeper Ederson strongly linked to Galatasaray and winger Savinho in talks with Tottenham.
With the transfer window set to close on Monday evening, Palace and Galatasaray will need to move fast if they hope to secure Akanji’s signature.
