Revealed: How Manuel Akanji can trigger €15m obligation to buy clause in Inter deal as defender completes loan move from Man City

Inter sealed a deadline-day move for Akanji, signing the Switzerland international on loan from City for a €2 million fee. The €15m (£13m/$16m) obligation to buy will be triggered if the Nerazzurri win the 2025-26 Serie A title and if the defender features in at least 50 per cent of their matches, according to Sky Sport. A former AC Milan target, Akanji chose Inter largely because of their Champions League participation and title ambitions.

The deal reflects Inter’s intent to strengthen their defence after losing Pavard, who is heading to Marseille. For City, the move frees up space in a well-stocked backline while allowing the 30-year-old to gain regular minutes before the 2026 World Cup. Inter’s rivals will also note the Nerazzurri’s ability to land a player wanted by Milan, underlining their transfer power.

At City, Akanji won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup but faced inconsistency and injuries last term. He now gets a fresh start in Serie A, where the Nerazzurri view him as an ideal replacement for Pavard.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund star is expected to slot straight into Cristian Chivu's defensive rotation. Should the Serie A side mount a successful Scudetto challenge with Akanji as a regular starter, the obligation clause will activate, making the Swiss defender a permanent signing. For City, how Akanji performs in Italy will also shape Pep Guardiola’s defensive rebuild, especially with Vitor Reis due back next summer.