Inter Milan Secures Manuel Akanji in Strategic Loan Deal

Milan, Sep 2 (AP) Inter Milan has secured a loan deal for versatile defender Manuel Akanji from Manchester City. The move aims to bolster Inter's defense following their 2-1 defeat to Udinese in Serie A over the weekend.

Inter's defensive vulnerabilities were laid bare during their 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last season's Champions League final. Inter announced the acquisition on Tuesday, highlighting that the agreement includes an option to make the signing permanent, which will become obligatory if certain conditions are fulfilled.

The 30-year-old Akanji, who was a trusted player for Pep Guardiola during Manchester City's remarkable treble-winning 2023 season, is part of the club's recent shift towards a younger squad.

Primarily a center back, the Swiss international is also capable of playing in both fullback positions. Akanji made 136 appearances for Manchester City over three years, contributing five goals and helping the team secure two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Community Shield, a Champions League title, a UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup.

With 71 caps for the Swiss national team, Akanji was named to the team of the tournament when Switzerland reached the quarterfinals of last year’s European Championship. However, he is also remembered for missing a crucial penalty in the shootout loss to England at Euro 2024.

Inter’s 37-year-old center back, Francesco Acerbi, struggled in the defeat to Udinese and faced controversy in May when he declined a call-up to Italy's national squad. (AP) UNG

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