Victor Osimhen puts in personal transfer call to Man City star as Galatasaray chase third major summer signing

According to Yakup Cınar, one of Galatasaray's top targets is City centre-half Manuel Akanji, and it’s not just the club making the moves. Osimhen, fresh off his permanent move to Galatasaray, has reportedly taken the reins as a super agent, helping to recruit Akanji for the Istanbul-based side by personally reaching out to the Swiss defender over the phone.

Akanji, who has been part of Pep Guardiola’s squad since 2022, has had a difficult time breaking into the starting eleven recently. The Switzerland international was notably left on the bench during City’s opening Premier League match against Wolves as John Stones and Ruben Dias were preferred in central defence.

With Nathan Ake and the newly arrived Abdukodir Khusanov also vying for a place in the backline, Akanji's future at the Etihad Stadium is now in doubt. Pep Guardiola himself has acknowledged that it’s not “healthy” for his squad to be so bloated, with top quality players like Akanji finding themselves on the fringes of the team. Negotiations have already started between City and Galatasaray, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Turkish club are also reportedly eyeing City goalkeeper Ederson. The Brazilian, who was absent from City's squad for their win over Wolves due to illness, has seen summer signing James Trafford step into his shoes, and the transfer speculation is ramping up. If they miss out on Ederson, Galatasaray have shortlisted Diogo Costa from FC Porto and Yann Sommer of Inter Milan as alternatives. 

City’s squad may need to be trimmed, and Galatasaray’s persistence in pursuing both Akanji and Ederson could ultimately sway the balance. If the Turkish club can meet City’s asking price for the two players, their defensive and goalkeeper issues could be resolved.