Inter Milan sign Akanji from Man City to replace Pavard

Inter Milan secure Manuel Akanji from Manchester City on deadline day after Pavard’s exit to Marseille, with Chivu ready to launch him against Juventus

The final day of the transfer window saw Inter Milan part ways with Benjamin Pavard, who joined Marseille, and complete the signing of Manuel Akanji from Manchester City. The Swiss defender could quickly become a key figure in Cristian Chivu’s backline.

La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908 highlights how Akanji arrives with determination and clarity: he has around nine months to prove himself indispensable, making Guardiola regret leaving him out of Manchester City’s plans and convincing Marotta to keep him beyond June. 

At €15 million (£12.7m) for a defender with his track record, even at 31, the price would be reasonable.

The move was both immediate and strategic: with Acerbi, De Vrij and Darmian all out of contract in 2026, Inter Milan needed experience as well as quality. Akanji was seen as an unexpected late opportunity, combining affordability with pedigree.

Chivu is eager to welcome him at Appiano Gentile after his commitments with the Swiss national team. 

Akanji set for Juventus debut in Inter Milan defence

The coach plans to throw him straight into the deep end: the high-pressure clash with Juventus. Akanji is expected to replace Bisseck on the right side of the back three, alongside Acerbi and Bastoni, with compatriot Sommer guiding him from behind.

Akanji is no stranger to responsibility. Despite an injury setback, he was the Premier League defender with the highest passing accuracy last season (93.8%), ensuring smooth progression from the back. 

Short or long, his distribution strengthens build-up play — a quality Inter Milan fans remember from the Istanbul final.

Beyond technique, Akanji’s aggression and defensive recoveries could be vital for a side that scores heavily but also concedes. 

In a summer of missed targets — Lookman, Leoni, Koné — Inter Milan may have found their best signing right at the end.