Manchester City announced they had signed Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of PS 17m, with an additional cost of PS 1.7m. Both defenders Manuel Akanji and Haaland may also be renewing their acquaintances with Borussia Dortmund as Man City takes on the German outfit in the group stages of the Champions League later this year. Manuel Akanji is likely to signal an end to the club’s considerable transfer activity over the summer, as the centre-back becomes the club’s fifth big-ticket closing of the window, and the third signing is to come from Borussia Dortmund.
Much like Man City, Borussia Dortmund favours a wide-open match from the back, with Swiss international Manuel Akanji playing a crucial role in progressing the ball. The 27-year-old has also earned himself a reputation for switching plays, a valuable asset to Switzerland’s national side as City prefer to isolate their wide players versus wing-backs. After recent injuries to centre-backs Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake, Akanji will offer the Premier League champions additional defensive depth. Txiki Begiristain, the City’s director of football, claimed that Akanji met Pep Guardiola’s criteria for a defender. Akanji began his career with FC Winterthur and subsequently Basel in the Swiss division before joining Dortmund in January 2018 and appearing in 158 games.
The first few years Manuel Akanji spent with Borussia Dortmund did not go quite how he had intended. He frequently had trouble finding his best form, had difficulty avoiding injuries, and perhaps most tragically, would often make blunders that cost Dortmund valuable ground in their pursuit of the title. Given that both players originally had a similar combination of talents and shortcomings, Mats Hummels‘ return to the club helped little to advance his growth.
Akanji said I watch many Premier League games, especially Manchester City matches since they have won so many titles recently. I think I would fit in wonderfully with the team’s football style since I genuinely like it. Against Crystal Palace on Saturday, Manchester City saw themselves two goals behind after only 30 minutes. Erling Haaland’s hat trick turned the situation around. After finding a way to save a point in a 3-3 draw against Newcastle a week earlier, the Citizens may have experienced déjà vu.
Jesus has scored thrice in his first season at Arsenal, while Zinchenko has also played often for Mikel Arteta’s team. The Gunners have won all five of their games in the Premier League so far this season, moving them to the top of the standings due to their efforts.
