Inter Milan’s Strategic Acquisition of Manuel Akanji: A Closer Look

On deadline day, Inter Milan finalized a loan agreement for defender Manuel Akanji from Manchester City, which includes a €2 million initial fee and a €15 million purchase option. This clause will become mandatory if Inter clinches the Serie A title in the 2025-26 season and if Akanji participates in at least half of the matches. Since joining the club, the Swiss international has integrated seamlessly into Cristian Chivu’s tactical framework, starting every league match without missing a minute, totaling nine complete games alongside four appearances in the Champions League. Initially viewed as a late-window gamble, Akanji has quickly evolved into a key player, central to Inter’s stability at the start of the season.

The Inter board is currently assessing the potential for a long-term commitment, impressed by Akanji’s consistency and his readiness to shoulder responsibilities within a title-contending squad. Compounding the situation is interest from rivals such as AC Milan, who had attempted to secure Akanji’s services before Inter intervened. The urgency of Inter’s decision-making is underscored by Akanji’s public comments, where he articulated his aspirations and how swiftly he has acclimated to life in Italy.

During a media interaction, the former Borussia Dortmund defender addressed his experiences in Milan and the uncertainty surrounding the €15 million option. He expressed his desire for a permanent transfer: “Yes, I hope Inter sign me permanently. I’m very happy here; we’ll see what happens.”

Reflecting on his choice to join Inter in September, Akanji emphasized the club’s prestigious reputation and ambitious goals: “It’s one of the best clubs in Europe; nothing could be simpler. As for the objectives, it’s difficult to talk about them because I’ve only just met my new teammates. I’m not sure what the expectations are, but obviously winning the league is always expected. When you play for Inter, this is normal. The Champions League is also a goal — they came so close, and I hope to help them achieve that this year.”

At 30 years of age, Akanji not only provides immediate defensive reinforcement but also serves as a mentor for younger players joining the squad, aligning with Inter’s long-term defensive vision. From Manchester City’s perspective, this move alleviates congestion in their defensive roster and allows Akanji to gain essential playing time in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The conditional buy clause acknowledges City’s understanding of Inter’s sustained interest in Akanji while leaving their options open.

The rivalry between the clubs also influenced this transfer saga. Prior to Inter’s acquisition, AC Milan made attempts to redirect the deal in late August while Akanji was still in discussions with Galatasaray. Ultimately, he chose Inter over Milan due to their guarantee of Champions League football, leading to a swift acquisition by the Nerazzurri. This not only strengthened Inter’s defense but also allowed them to outmaneuver their local rivals.

Looking ahead, the future of the 30-year-old defender is closely tied to team performance. If Inter secures the 2025-26 Serie A title and Akanji plays in at least 50% of the matches next season, the €15 million clause will become mandatory. Even in the absence of these conditions, the club seems inclined to make the transfer permanent, given Akanji’s significant impact.

In the short term, Akanji’s focus remains on securing his starting position, advancing Inter’s title pursuit, and contributing to another promising Champions League campaign. As the season progresses, both his performance and Inter’s outcomes will significantly influence how promptly the permanent deal is finalized. Anticipation mounts as Inter’s management is expected to engage in discussions with City regarding his long-term future in Milan during the winter and spring months.