Manchester City, the Premier League champions, have reportedly selected their future first-choice right-back if Kyle Walker leaves the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The England international has had a mixed season thus far, both in terms of on-field performance and off-field issues, while also being elected Manchester City captain by his teammates.
Pep Guardiola and the rest of the Manchester City leadership persuaded Walker to stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond last season, after it was revealed that the 33-year-old was strongly considering a move to Bayern Munich.
However, with interest from Bundesliga giants believed to be ongoing, as well as speculation about future interest from Saudi Arabia and the Pro League, stories are swirling about Manchester City’s contingency plans.
According to Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, Manuel Akanji has ‘induced a current rethink’ if Kyle Walker leaves the club this summer, and he will become Pep Guardiola’s new first-choice right back.
The signing of the Swiss international from Borussia Dortmund has quickly become one of the best bargains of the Premier League era, with Manchester City paying only £15 million for the 28-year-old late in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Manuel Akanji has gone on to flourish in a variety of roles under Pep Guardiola, winning five trophies in the process, including a Treble in his debut season. His most recent development has seen him play as an inverted right defender.
With John Stones suffering for fitness at various points throughout the season, Manuel Akanji has been trusted to play defensive midfield alongside Rodri, with his presence in possession allowing the aforementioned Spaniard to go forward.
Leave a Reply