Crystal Palace have launched an ambitious £15 million bid to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, as the Eagles aim to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.
Crystal Palace Submit £15m Bid for Manchester City Defender Manuel Akanji
The 30-year-old Swiss international, who has fallen down the pecking order at City, is currently weighing his future amid interest from multiple clubs.
Akanji, a key part of Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign in 2023, has been sidelined in the early stages of the 2025-26 season.
He was an unused substitute in City’s opening Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and was left out entirely for their following match against Tottenham Hotspur.
With Pep Guardiola keen to streamline his squad, Akanji’s opportunities are expected to be limited this season.
Palace’s move for Akanji comes at a critical time. The club has already lost star midfielder Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in a £67.5 million deal and faces the potential departure of captain Marc Guehi, who has attracted interest from Liverpool, Tottenham, and Barcelona.
Guehi has entered the final year of his contract, and Palace may be forced to cash in rather than risk losing him for free next summer.
The Eagles have been active in the market, securing goalkeeper Walter Benitez and left-back Borna Sosa, but manager Oliver Glasner is eager to add depth and experience to his defensive line.
Akanji, with his Premier League and Champions League pedigree, is viewed as an ideal candidate to replace Guehi should he leave.
However, Palace face competition for Akanji’s signature. Galatasaray have already matched Manchester City’s £15 million valuation, but the player has yet to agree to personal terms.
Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen are also monitoring the situation as they seek a replacement for Arsenal-linked Piero Hincapie.
With the transfer window closing soon, all eyes are on Akanji’s decision. Will he choose a new challenge in South London or explore other options? Palace fans await anxiously as the club pushes to secure a high-profile signing.
