"It can't get better" - Manuel Akanji reflects on Manchester City switch from Borussia Dortmund

Manuel Akanji has reflected on completing a move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund on deadline day of the transfer window.

The 27-year-old has penned a five-year deal with the Premier League champions that will keep him at the club till 2027 at the very least.

City have strengthened their options in central defence with Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake on the sidelines ahead of a testing run of fixtures for Pep Guardiola's men.

Akanji has amassed 119 appearances in the German top-flight, making 36 Bundesliga outings for Dortmund last term.

Upon the completion of a reported £15 million move to the Etihad Stadium, the Switzerland international said: “I knew last year when I was at Borussia Dortmund that I wanted to make the next step in my career.

"I wanted to get better. Now moving here to Manchester City under the command of Pep Guardiola. it can't get better than that."

Akanji believes he will slot right in at City and is looking forward to working with Guardiola and his staff.

The defender added: "The combination of the coach and the club is perfect for me.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him (Guardiola) and the rest of the coaching staff and my teammates."

Having signed Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips, Stefan Ortega and Sergio Gomez already this summer, many believed Manchester City were done with their transfer business in terms of incomings ahead of deadline day.

However, a flurry of reports in recent days mentioned the Blues were nearing an agreement with Dortmund for Akanji, who adds further depth to Guardiola's backline.

“I'm really proud and really happy to be here," Akanji said after signing for the Premier League champions.

“It was a bit unexpected in the last stage of the transfer market, but when Manchester City asked me if I wanted to come here, I had no doubts about moving here.

“I know the quality of this team. I'm here to prove myself as well. I want to show everyone that they were right in choosing me."

City maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a 6-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday evening, with Erling Haaland grabbing another treble and Julian Alvarez scoring his first goals in the Premier League.

Guardiola's men next face Aston Villa on Saturday before travelling to Spain to kick off their Champions League campaign against Sevilla.