Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of 17m euros (£15m), with the Swiss centre-back becoming their fifth and final summer addition.
The Cityzens have already added Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Sergio Gomez and Kalvin Phillips to their squad this season as they look to defend their Premier League title, making it 5 league wins in 6 seasons in the process.
But central defence was an area of concern, with only four options available to Pep Guardiola and all of Nathan Ake, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias having picked up various injuries over the course of last season, and Dias still sidelined with an injury sustained over the summer.
As a result, they have moved for the Dortmund man, who is out of contract next summer, to give added options at the back.
“I am delighted to be here, and can’t wait to get started”, Akanji said.
“City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons. They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career.”
Txiki Begiristain also spoke of his excitement for the move, adding: “Manuel has plenty of experience playing at the top level of European football and we are confident he will be a valuable addition to our squad.
“We have been impressed with his performances during his time at Dortmund, where he has developed into a very good defender and one who is ready to perform in both the Premier League and Champions League.
“He has everything we want in a centre-back. He is strong, quick, comfortable in possession, has an excellent passing range and he will complement the other defenders in this team and our style of play.”
Akanji will wear the no.25 shirt at the club.
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