As the summer transfer window hurtles toward its September 1, 2025, deadline, Tottenham Hotspur have ignited the market with a bold move to bolster their defensive ranks, setting their sights on Manchester City’s versatile centre-back Manuel Akanji. Under the stewardship of new manager Thomas Frank, Spurs have initiated talks with the Premier League champions to secure the services of the 30-year-old Swiss international, who has also caught the attention of AC Milan, Crystal Palace, and Galatasaray. This pursuit follows Tottenham’s unsuccessful chase for Manchester City’s winger Savinho earlier this summer, signaling their intent to raid the Etihad Stadium once more before the window slams shut.
Akanji, who joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 for £15 million, was a key figure in their historic treble-winning campaign during the 2022-23 season, contributing to seven trophies under Pep Guardiola. Despite his 136 appearances and proven quality, Akanji has yet to feature this season and was notably absent from City’s matchday squad against Tottenham. His current £180,000-per-week wages reflect his value, but with young talent Abdukodir Khusanov and stalwarts like Ruben Dias, Nathan Aké, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones ahead in the pecking order, City are open to a sale if the financials align. “Manuel is really intelligent and great with the ball,” Guardiola praised in 2022, highlighting Akanji’s composure and passing ability, which make him an ideal fit for Frank’s possession-based, tactically flexible system.
Tottenham’s interest in Akanji stems from a pressing need to reinforce their backline, especially with Radu Dragusin sidelined by a cruciate ligament injury until late in the season. While Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven form a formidable centre-back partnership, and Ben Davies and Archie Gray offer cover, Frank seeks an experienced defender to navigate the demands of a Champions League campaign. Akanji’s versatility—he can play centre-back or right-back—makes him a strategic addition, particularly as Frank considers Djed Spence primarily a left-back. “Whoever the player is, whoever they support, I don’t care too much about. The main thing is the player wants to come,” Frank emphasized, underscoring his pragmatic approach to recruitment.
Spurs face stiff competition, with AC Milan leading the chase, having tabled a €15 million offer plus add-ons, though negotiations over personal terms remain unresolved. Crystal Palace have also submitted a bid, potentially contingent on Marc Guehi’s departure, while Galatasaray’s earlier interest faltered when Akanji declined a move to the Turkish Super Lig. Tottenham’s promise of Champions League football could tip the scales, offering Akanji a chance to shine in the Premier League and Europe’s elite competition. “I would absolutely take Akanji as a back-up CB, he can also play RB, would be happy with the signing,” one Spurs fan posted online, though some expressed a preference for City’s Nathan Aké, citing his left-footedness as a better fit.
Tottenham’s transfer activity has been robust, with permanent signings like Kevin Danso, Mohammed Kudus, Joao Palhinha, and Kota Takai, alongside a £52 million deal for RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, who outmaneuvered Chelsea to join Spurs until 2030. The loan departure of young defender Luka Vuskovic to Hamburg SV further underscores the need for depth. Akanji, one of three centre-backs on Spurs’ shortlist, represents a “Ben Davies but better” option—experienced, reliable, and unlikely to demand guaranteed minutes. His statistical prowess in ball-carrying and forward passing aligns with Frank’s vision, though his lower percentile in defensive duels suggests a trade-off for his ball-playing strengths.
The race for Akanji could have ripple effects, potentially disrupting Arsenal’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, a long-time Tottenham target now nearing a move to the Emirates. With the clock ticking, Spurs’ late approach reflects Frank’s ambition to elevate the squad. “Thomas Frank changed Tottenham: why Spurs play differently with the new manager,” one headline noted, pointing to his early success, including clean sheets against Burnley and Manchester City. Whether Akanji joins the north London revolution remains uncertain, but his potential arrival could solidify Spurs’ defense and signal their intent to compete at the highest level.
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