Akanji opens-up for leaving Manchester City, image: Inter Milan/via X
(The Post News) – Manuel Akanji has broken his silence on his decision to leave Manchester City, revealing that fierce competition for places under Pep Guardiola was the driving factor. The Swiss international explained that with six central defenders in City’s squad, regular game time was always going to be a challenge, and continuing in such a congested environment would not serve his career ambitions.
Akanji admitted that there were six central defenders in the squad. Pep Guardiola openly told then, “it would not be easy for anyone to have regular playing time,” stated Akanji. The 28-year-old conceded that while the situation was not ideal, he respected Guardiola’s honesty and acknowledged that competition is part and parcel of life at the top.
“It was not an ideal situation, but I was well aware of competition for places. Leaving was a pragmatic choice to ensure I can keep playing consistently,” he added.
Akanji’s departure adds to a string of high-profile exits from the Etihad Stadium as several players look to secure consistent minutes elsewhere, despite the lure of competing for trophies with the reigning Premier League champions.
Born on July 19, 1995, in Neftenbach, Switzerland, Manuel Obafemi Akanji began his professional career at FC Winterthur before moving to FC Basel in 2015. His calmness in possession, physicality, and ability to play out from the back quickly caught the attention of top European clubs.
In 2018, Borussia Dortmund secured his services, and Akanji developed into one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable defenders. His performances at Signal Iduna Park earned him international recognition, cementing his place in the Swiss national team, where he has been a cornerstone since his debut in 2017.
By September 2022, Manchester City signed Akanji for £15 million, a move many regarded as a bargain. His arrival added yet another layer of depth to Guardiola’s defensive unit, which already included Rúben Dias, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Aké, and later Josko Gvardiol.
At City, Akanji enjoyed initial success, making a strong impression during the club’s treble-winning 2022/23 campaign. His versatility, being able to play both centrally and at right-back, made him a useful option for Guardiola.
However, as City continued to reinforce their backline, the battle for starting places intensified. With six top-class centre-backs competing for minutes, Guardiola rotated heavily, but no defender could realistically expect to feature in every match.
For Akanji, who is approaching his peak years, the decision to move on became less about prestige and more about longevity. Regular playing time is vital not just for club form but also for maintaining a leading role with the Swiss national team, especially ahead of Euro 2028 qualifying campaigns and future tournaments.
Akanji’s comments underline the reality faced by many players at clubs like Manchester City. While success and silverware are almost guaranteed, personal development and match rhythm can suffer. His departure illustrates the delicate balance between individual ambition and collective achievement.
The Swiss defender emphasized that there was no bitterness in his exit, only a desire to keep playing at the highest level without being limited to a rotation role.
“I leave with respect for the club, the manager, and my teammates. But as a professional, I must also think of my career and my responsibility to stay sharp for my country,” he concluded.
Though his time at the Etihad was relatively short, Akanji contributed to one of the most historic periods in Manchester City’s history. He played an important role in their Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League triumphs during the 2022/23 season.
While supporters may be disappointed to see him depart, his impact remains appreciated as part of the group that delivered the club’s first-ever Champions League trophy.
Manuel Akanji’s decision to leave Manchester City reflects the challenges faced by players in elite squads stacked with world-class talent. His journey from Winterthur to Basel, Dortmund to City, and now a new chapter elsewhere, speaks to his ambition and resilience.
For Akanji the choice was simple, regular football over the risk of stagnation. And as he seeks a fresh start, his career remains one to watch both for club and country.
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