Inter have reportedly triggered their obligation to buy defender Manuel Akanji on a permanent deal from Manchester City after winning the 2025-26 Scudetto. The deal was made on the final day of the summer transfer window, with an option to buy that would become mandatory under certain conditions.
The Conditions of the Deal
Various outlets indicate that those conditions were winning the Serie A title and that Akanji plays for at least 50% of the team’s league matches in 2025-26. Inter were officially crowned champions of Italy over the weekend, confirming their 21st Serie A title with a 2-0 victory over Parma in San Siro on Sunday.
Akanji's Impact This Season
Akanji joined Inter after the first two games of the Serie A season, which means that he needed to play for 50% of the 36 remaining league matches, i.e. 18. The former Man City and Borussia Dortmund player has been a mainstay in the Nerazzurri defence this season and has featured in every Serie A match that he has been available for. As things stand, he has 33 appearances in Serie A to his name, 31 as a starter, and 30 for the full 90 minutes.
Contract Details
Champions League fixtures did not count towards the number of appearances needed to trigger the obligation to buy clause in Akanji’s contract. The defender also featured in every one of Inter’s European matches this term, including for the full 90 minutes across his six most recent UCL outings. In fact, only goalkeeper Yann Sommer has featured more for Inter this season, both in Serie A and across all competitions.
We believe that Akanji's permanent deal is a great move for Inter, as he has been a key player in their Scudetto-winning season. His defensive skills and experience will be crucial for the team's future success. However, the €15m price tag may be steep for some fans, considering the current market conditions.
This move means that Inter will have a solid defensive lineup for the upcoming season, with Akanji being a crucial part of it. It also shows that the team is committed to investing in their squad to maintain their dominance in the Serie A. For Manchester City, this deal means that they will receive a significant transfer fee, which they can use to strengthen their own squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
€15m
Winning the Serie A title and Akanji playing for at least 50% of the team’s league matches in 2025-26
33 appearances in Serie A, with 31 as a starter and 30 for the full 90 minutes