Conquered by Chivu's approach, the footballer asks for a permanent transfer to Inter: “I like his style!”
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Thursday, 20 November 2025 22:36 / Updated on Thursday, 20 November 2025 22:41
Manchester City is at risk of permanently losing one of its most important defenders in recent years. On loan at Inter Milan, where he is coached by the Romanian technician Cristian Chivu (45 years old), the Swiss defender Manuel Akanji (30 years old) has publicly announced that he wants the move to become permanent.
Arriving at “Meazza” in the last week of the mercato window, the Swiss Akanji started in all the games in the domestic championship.
Inter main man Manuel Akanji: starter in all Serie A matches
Inter lead Serie A after 11 games, level with Roma, and the City defender has quickly become a key piece in Chivu's three-back system.
The Italian club has a purchase option of 15 million euros, and the developments of the Swiss push more and more towards a definitive transfer.
Clear message from the defender: “I hope to stay in Milan!”
In an interview during the international break, Akanji admitted that his plan is clear: “I hope to stay at Inter. We'll see how the season goes, then we'll decide together with the club. For now I'm very happy in Milan.”
Manchester City, which has already invested in strengthening the defense for the next period, seems willing to negotiate, in the context of the changes made by the new sporting director Hugo Viana (42 years old).
Chivu, the key to integration: “I really like the way he communicates”
The defender spoke highly of Romanian coach Cristian Chivu, who is in his second season as senior head coach after his experience at Parma and is unbeaten in the Champions League after four wins from as many games.
“I like Chivu's style, the way he communicates with us and how he manages the team.
He is young, but has clear ideas and a very good staff. I am very happy to work with him now”, Akanji stated, according to Tutto Mercato.
Inter has clear conditions for the definitive transfer
The move may become mandatory if:
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Akanji plays at least 50% of the team's matches in all competitions,
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Inter win the Scudetto.
With 13 matches already ticked off in the Nerazzurri shirt and Chivu's formation in the direct fight for the title, the conditions seem accessible.
Akanji, more than 130 matches in the shirt of the “citizens”
Stopper Manuel Akanji is valued at €22 million by specialist website Transfermarkt, has made no less than 136 appearances for City and was instrumental in the season in which they won the historic treble in 2023.
A permanent departure would reduce Pep Guardiola's options for the 2026 season, with internal discussions already taking place over the possible return of youngster Vitor Reis (19) from Girona.
