Galatasaray Seeks to Bolster Defense with Manchester City Players
Galatasaray of Turkey has shown interest in Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji, according to sources close to the club.
The Turkish team has made contact with City to explore the possibility of signing the defender. Sources indicate that City does not rule out Akanji’s departure, as long as the player’s valuation is met.
Akanji, who has been a key piece in Pep Guardiola’s scheme since his arrival in 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, has two years remaining on his contract.
Galatasaray is looking to strengthen its defense and also a goalkeeper before the closing of the Turkish Super League transfer market, on September 12. The club aims to register the new players before September 2 for the Champions League.Coach Okan Buruk is looking for a versatile defender, capable of playing both right-back and center-back, roles that Akanji has played for Guardiola. In fact, Akanji, who is primarily a center-back, played as a right-back in the 2023 Champions League final.
In addition to Akanji, Galatasaray has also shown interest in Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson. Although City wants to keep the Brazilian goalkeeper, they could allow him to leave if the player expresses his desire to leave.
Ederson was not in the squad for the 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton due to illness, with James Trafford starting in goal instead.
Galatasaray is also considering other options in case Ederson’s signing does not materialize.
Among these options are Diogo Costa from FC Porto and Yann Sommer from Inter Milan.
In the event that City loses Ederson, it is rumored that they could focus their attention on Gianluigi Donnarumma.
