As the summer transfer window races toward its September 1, 2025, deadline, Crystal Palace have ignited excitement among fans with a daring move for Manchester City’s Swiss defender Manuel Akanji. The Eagles, fresh off their historic FA Cup triumph, have tabled an ambitious £15 million bid, including performance-related bonuses, to secure the 30-year-old centre-back, aiming to bolster their squad for a demanding season that includes UEFA Conference League football. This audacious approach, driven by the potential departure of captain Marc Guehi, underscores Palace’s newfound ambition under manager Oliver Glasner, who has made a passionate plea for reinforcements. “We would be in big trouble if we lost Guehi,” Glasner admitted, highlighting the urgency to strengthen the backline.
Akanji, a 71-time Switzerland international, has been a key figure at Manchester City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £15 million. His versatility, showcased during City’s 2022/23 treble-winning campaign, saw him excel at centre-back, left-back, and right-back, amassing 136 appearances with five goals and three assists. However, the 2025/26 season has seen him fall down Pep Guardiola’s pecking order, with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Josko Gvardiol, and new signing Abdukodir Khusanov preferred. Akanji’s absence from City’s matchday squad in their 2-0 loss to Tottenham on August 23, 2025, fueled speculation about his future. “Don’t know anything about that,” Akanji commented, dismissing earlier rumors of a move to Galatasaray, indicating his preference to stay and fight for his place at the Etihad, where his contract runs until 2027.
Palace’s interest in Akanji is strategic, driven by the looming uncertainty surrounding Guehi, whose contract expires in 2026. The England international has attracted attention from Liverpool, Tottenham, and Newcastle, with the Reds emerging as frontrunners. Losing Guehi, especially after the £67.5 million sale of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, would be a blow, but chairman Steve Parish has acknowledged the need to plan for such scenarios. “We would have to assess the situation if Guehi does not sign a new contract,” Parish said, signaling Palace’s proactive approach in targeting Akanji as a high-caliber replacement. The Swiss defender’s experience, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown, makes him an ideal candidate to anchor Palace’s defense alongside new signings like goalkeeper Walter Benitez and full-back Borna Sosa.
The transfer saga isn’t without competition. Galatasaray have also matched City’s £15 million valuation, with talks ongoing, though Akanji’s reluctance to move to Turkey gives Palace an edge. Bayer Leverkusen, eyeing Akanji as a potential replacement for Arsenal and Tottenham target Piero Hincapie, adds further intrigue. For Palace, securing Akanji would be a statement of intent, signaling their ambition to compete on multiple fronts after a quiet transfer window. Glasner’s squad, which has struggled to add depth despite their Wembley heroics, faces the demands of European competition, making Akanji’s experience invaluable.
Akanji’s potential move to Selhurst Park would be a homecoming of sorts for the Premier League, where his reliability and adaptability have earned him admirers. His 48 appearances in the 2023/24 season, despite City’s trophyless campaign, highlight his durability. Palace fans, buzzing on social media, see the move as a coup, with one post on X declaring, “Akanji to Palace would be massive—proper ambition from the club!” As the transfer deadline looms, the Eagles’ pursuit of Akanji represents a bold step toward building a squad capable of challenging for honors. Whether Akanji chooses Selhurst Park or explores other options, this transfer saga underscores Palace’s determination to soar to new heights in a transformative season.
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