Inter set to retain Akanji after loan spell

Inter Milan have decided to retain Manuel Akanji after his loan spell with the club. 

The Swiss defender joined the Nerazurri on loan from Manchester City with an obligation to sign him on a permanent deal if they win the Scudetto and he makes at least 50% of appearances.

Having been part of the starting line-up since the beginning of the season, the Serie A giants are reportedly determined to keep the Switzerland international regardless of those conditions.

According to Tuttosport, Inter already decided to sign Akanji on a permanent transfer from Manchester City at the end of the season.

The Switzerland international arrived at San Siro on an initial loan deal on deadline day, and the Serie A giants can make his move permanent for €15m if they win the Serie A title and Akanji makes at least 50% of appearances in 2025-26.

However, the latest reports indicate that Akanji has already agreed to a contract. So, signing him next season permanently is expected to be a mere formality with both parties reaching an agreement ahead of next summer.

It was gathered that Inter are already determined to retain the 30-year-old, who has already agreed to sign a €4.5m-a-year contract until 2028.

Akanji, who is now a regular Inter starter, has made six appearances across all competitions.

It was also gathered that either Francesco Acerbi or Stefan de Vrij could leave the club or both, as their contracts expire in June 2026.

According to Tuttosport, Inter already have Jooel Ordonez of Club Brugge, Oumar Solet (Udinese), Konstantinos Koulierakis (Wolfsburg), Jay Idzes, and Tarik Muharemović (Sassuolo)  on their watchlist.

Denzel Dumfries could also leave next summer, having been linked with Barcelona last summer.

Inter will be hoping to achieve success this term, having failed to win a title last season. They were outclassed in the UEFA Champions League final by holders Paris Saint-Germain and also lost the Scudetto to Napoli by a single point.