Soccer Football - Champions League - Manchester City v Club Brugge - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - January 29, 2025 Manchester City's Manuel Akanji celebrates after the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Crystal Palace are interested in signing Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji. Akanji’s future has been the subject of much speculation this summer, with the Switzerland international falling down the pecking order at City.
He was an unused substitute in City’s season opening 4-0 win over Wolves, before being omitted from the City squad altogether for the club’s 2-0 loss to Tottenham in matchweek two. Galatasaray have also registered an interest in the player who has two years left on his contract.
Akanji is seen as potential replacement for Palace skipper Marc Guehi, who continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool. Guehi has one year remaining on his Palace contract and is unlikely to sign an extension at this point.
ESPN has reported that Palace has contacted City about Akanji’s availability and the conditions of a deal, but have not yet submitted a formal bid. Palace are expected to allow Guehi to join Liverpool if they can agree a deal with City for Akanji.
City value Akanji at around £15 million. German side Bayer Leverkusen have also been linked with a move before the transfer deadline.
Palace eyeing Akanji as Guehi replacement
With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, Palace will be looking to conclude their business sooner rather that later. The Eagles may be glad to see the back of the window, having so far struggled to complete major additions.
They are also reeling from the loss of star man Eberechi Eze who joined Arsenal last week for a Palace record fee. Manager Oliver Glasner bemoaned the timing of Eze’s departure, saying a replacement should have been sorted months before and imploring the Palace board to take action.
Palace have so far failed in bids for Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling as they search for a replacement for Eze. They have however agreed a fee for Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss but are still weighing up all options.
About the Author
