Manchester City confirm signing of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund

Manchester City have completed the signing of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund.

The 27 year-old defender has become the Premier League Champions' sixth signing of the summer, completing an initial £15 million move from the Bundesliga.

Akanji has penned a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, keeping the defender at the club until 2027.

The Swiss centre-back has made over 100 Bundesliga appearances since moving from Basel in 2018.

The 27 year-old made 36 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund last season, though is yet to feature for the German giants in the 2022/23 campaign.

Amid injuries to City defenders Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte, Akanji first emerged as a target for Pep Guardiola's side on Tuesday afternoon.

Laporte is expected to be out of action until late September early October, while Ake was forced off at St James' Park during a thrilling 3-3 draw with Newcastle United.

Akanji has become Pep Guardiola's sixth signing of the summer, and second player to move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City during the course of the window.

Erling Haaland, who had an incredible start to life in England, moved to the Premier League Champions from Dortmund in June for £51 million.

Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gomez and Stefan Ortega have also signed for the Sky Blues, during a summer which has seen numerous incomings and outgoings.

We are delighted to announce we have completed the signing of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund! ✍️

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— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 1, 2022

Reacting to becoming Manchester City's latest addition of the summer, Akanji told the club website: "I am delighted to be here, and can’t wait to get started.

"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.

“Pep Guardiola is an exceptional manager, and this is an exceptional squad of players, so this is an exciting opportunity for me. 

“I am really looking forward to testing myself in the Premier League and I will do everything I can to help this Club be successful.” 

Club Director Txiki Begiristain hailed the transfer, saying that: "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 is expected to be with the Manchester City squad for Saturday's trip to Villa Park, with the Blues facing a troubled Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Guardiola's side then travel to Spain, kicking off their Champions League Group Stage campaign away to Seville on Tuesday.

Akanji could come up against his former club in the coming weeks, after City and Dortmund were both paired in Group G.

The German side are due to visit the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 14th September, while City travel to the Signal Iduna on Tuesday 25th August.