Key Takeaways
- Manuel Akanji will sign a permanent two-year deal with Inter Milan following a successful loan spell from Manchester City.
- The Swiss centre-back has met the required appearance clause and helped Inter close in on the Serie A title.
- Inter need Akanji as experienced defenders Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij approach the end of their contracts.
Swiss defender Manuel Akanji is set to join Inter Milan on a permanent basis from Manchester City. The Italian side have offered the centre-back a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.
Akanji has become a key player under coach Cristian Chivu this season. He has started regularly in defence and played a major role in Inter’s push for the Serie A title. His consistent performances have satisfied the conditions for a permanent move.
The loan deal from September included two requirements. The first stated that Akanji must feature in at least 50% of the club’s games this term. The second required Inter to win the Scudetto. The Swiss international has already met the appearance target. The league title is now within reach.
Inter are preparing for major changes at the back. Veteran defenders Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij are both nearing the end of their current deals. Full-back Matteo Darmian and goalkeeper Yann Sommer also face uncertain futures at the San Siro.
There are also rumours that Alessandro Bastoni could leave the club. This makes Akanji’s permanent signing even more vital. Inter view him alongside Yann Bisseck as central figures in their new defensive setup for next season.