Tottenham Hotspur is considering a late addition to their defensive lineup by targeting Manchester City’s centre-back, Manuel Akanji, ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline. With the 30-year-old Swiss international yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season, City appears open to letting him leave. For Spurs, strengthening their defense could prove to be a savvy move—akin to discovering a rare football shirt at a bargain price.
Manuel Akanji’s Situation at Manchester City
Akanji joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, and he still has two years remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium. However, he has not featured under Pep Guardiola this season, making a change of scenery seem like a sensible option for both the player and the club.
- Career Highlights:
- Total of 158 appearances across all competitions
- Two Premier League winners’ medals
Potential Fit at Tottenham Hotspur
If Akanji makes the switch to Spurs, he would complement a centre-back lineup that includes captain Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Radu Dragusin. However, Dragusin is just returning from ACL surgery, and Ben Davies has yet to appear this season. Manager Thomas Frank has even experimented with a back five in recent matches, highlighting the need for additional depth in defense.
Competition from Crystal Palace
However, the pursuit of Akanji isn’t without competition. Crystal Palace has also expressed interest, viewing him as a potential replacement for Marc Guehi, who may be heading to Liverpool. Palace manager Oliver Glasner is wary of losing another key defender, especially after Eberechi Eze’s recent move to Arsenal.
Potential Impact of the Move
Should the deal go through, Akanji would become Spurs’ second significant signing before the transfer window closes. He would join Xavi Simons, who is expected to arrive from RB Leipzig for around £51.8 million, with his medical already completed. If both transfers are finalized, Spurs fans might find themselves needing to expand their scarf racks to accommodate all the new talent.
By targeting Manuel Akanji, Tottenham Hotspur aims to enhance their defensive options while facing competition from Crystal Palace. This potential addition showcases the club’s ambition as they look to solidify their position in the Premier League.