Akanji has won over Inter, and his transfer will be finalized in a few months

Who is Manuel Akanji & why he moved to Inter

Manuel Akanji is a Swiss centre-back who signed for Manchester City in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund. He was a part of City’s success over the past few seasons—league titles, Champions League, etc.

By 2025, however, competition for places at City was tight. There were several centre-backs (and backup defenders) in the squad, and it became harder for him to get regular game time.

So, in the summer of 2025, Akanji moved to Inter Milan on a season-long loan from Manchester City. Inter paid a loan fee of roughly €2 million for that season.

Part of the loan agreement includes an option to buy (permanent transfer) for around €15 million, which under certain conditions becomes an obligation to buy. Specifically:

If Akanji plays at least 50% of Inter’s matches in the 2025-26 season.

If Inter win the Serie A title (Scudetto) that season.

So the deal is structured so there are triggers that oblige Inter to buy him, but Inter are reportedly already leaning towards making the move permanent regardless of those triggers.

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Why Inter are already “won over”

There are several reasons why Akanji has impressed enough at Inter for them to want to keep him permanently:

1. Early performances

Even early in his time at Inter, he’s made a good number of starts, including in both Serie A and the Champions League.

He’s being used regularly, which suggests the coach trusts him. That’s critical: for a loaned defender to make an immediate impact in a new league is not always easy.

2. Tactical fit & defensive needs

Inter had defensive departures and aging contracts (e.g. Pavard being loaned out, other senior defenders whose contracts expire in 2026) so they needed stability and quality.

Akanji brings experience, adaptability, ability to play across a back-three (or in different defensive setups), which adds value.

3. Agreement in principle & player willingness

Akanji wanted regular playing time and to stay at the top level (Champions League & competing for titles). That made Inter an attractive destination.

Also, there are reports that Inter and Akanji already agreed on personal terms for a permanent contract starting in summer 2026—some say at ~€4.5 million/year until 2028.

4. Timing & strategic planning

Inter seem to be thinking ahead. Even though the obligation to buy is conditional, they are reportedly preparing internally to finalize the permanent deal in 2026.

Discussions in media suggest that unless something dramatic changes (injury, drop in form, or financial issue), they’ll go through with it.

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What the deal looks like & the technical details

Putting it all together, here’s what the structure is:

Component Detail

Loan period 2025-26 season, from Manchester City to Inter.

Loan fee Approx. €2 million.

Option to buy ~ €15 million.

Obligation to buy (conditional) If Akanji plays ≥ 50% of matches and Inter win Serie A.

Contract once permanent Reportedly agreed terms ~ €4.5m/year until 2028.

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Why people believe the transfer will be finalized in a few months (summer 2026)

Here are the reasons why many believe the deal will be made permanent without much suspense.

Inter are confident: The club management reportedly already see Akanji as a long-term asset. They believe he fits into their defensive plans beyond just a loan.

Performance is going well: He’s already getting starts, being involved in important matches (Serie A, Champions League), showing he can cope with the tactical demands at Inter.

No obvious obstacles so far: The conditions for the obligation exist, but even without meeting them, Inter seem willing to pay the fee. Also, there are no strong rival offers reported after he moved.

City’s squad depth & future planning: Manchester City have enough defensive depth and are looking to integrate younger options. There is a sense that City are okay letting Akanji go permanently if Inter confirm.

Stability & contract security: The fact that Akanji has reportedly agreed to personal terms (through summer 2028) with Inter gives the club planning certainty, which lowers risk.

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Potential obstacles / What could go wrong

That said, things are rarely guaranteed, and there are a few variables that could delay or complicate the permanent transfer.

Injuries / loss of form: If Akanji suffers a major injury or dips in performance, Inter might reconsider. The number of appearances, quality of performances matter.

Financial constraints: Transfers always have financial risk. If Inter have unexpected expenditures, financial fair play issues, or need to adjust budgets, they might hesitate.

Changes in coaching / management or strategy: If the coach changes or the club changes defensive strategy, maybe they’d prefer a different profile of defender.

Failure to meet some conditional clauses: Even though Inter seem ready to move ahead, if certain clauses are triggered (or not), it could change leverage and negotiation dynamics.

Manchester City’s position: If City suddenly decide they want him back, or offer a better personal or commercial package, they might try to renegotiate. But current reports do not suggest strong resistance.

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Verdict: Likelihood & Timeline

Putting everything together, the idea that Akanji “has won over Inter” is well supported by the reports so far. Inter appear sufficiently impressed with his early performances and convinced he can be part of their defence long-term.

The summer of 2026 looks like the most likely point when the permanent transfer will be officially activated or announced. That’s the end of this season’s loan, and the timeline when the buy option (or obligation) becomes relevant, and when both clubs can settle the deal formally.

Unless something unexpected happens — injury, financial issue, or drastic change in form or club strategy — the current signals suggest that Inter will finalize the transfer then for around €15 million, with a contract for Akanji until 2028.