Key Takeaways:
- Crystal Palace have placed a £15 million offer, including bonuses, for Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji ahead of the transfer deadline on September 1.
- The Eagles have signed Walter Benitez and Borna Sosa this summer but lost Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £67.5 million and may face the departure of Marc Guehi.
- Akanji, a two-time Premier League champion with 40 appearances and two assists last season, has been identified as a potential replacement for Guehi.
Transfer Activity Intensifies as Deadline Approaches
Crystal Palace have accelerated their efforts in the transfer market by launching a significant bid to secure Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji before the summer transfer deadline on 1 September. The south London club, managed by Oliver Glasner, are seeking to reinforce their defensive options with a £15 million offer for the Swiss international, which is understood to include additional bonus payments.
🚨 BREAKING!
Crystal Palace have made an official offer to Manchester City for Manuel Akanji. 🇨🇭
Palace offered £15m, including bonuses, for the defender. 💰
ℹ️ @LianosKostas pic.twitter.com/YIDv3Zf7bU
— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) August 25, 2025
Squad Reshaping Amid Key Departures
This transfer window has seen Palace conclude just two incoming deals so far, welcoming goalkeeper Walter Benitez and left-back Borna Sosa. However, the side experienced a substantial blow after the departure of star midfielder Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal for £67.5 million. Furthermore, Marc Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park remains uncertain, with major European clubs including Liverpool, Tottenham, and Barcelona showing keen interest in the England centre-back.
According to reports, Guehi, 25, is prepared to see out his contract until 2026 should his ideal move fail to materialise. Palace chairman Steve Parish previously confirmed Guehi would be sold if he declined an extension to his current deal.
Akanji’s Credentials and Recent Performance
Manuel Akanji, 30, boasts two Premier League titles since his arrival at Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. Last season, he registered two assists over 40 appearances during a challenging campaign for City, who ultimately finished third in the league. In total, Akanji has contributed five goals and three assists in 136 matches for the Citizens. Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Akanji is seen as a direct response to the uncertainty surrounding Guehi’s future, as they seek to fill a potentially critical gap in their back line.
| Player | Appearances (2023/24) | Goals | Assists | Premier League Titles | Current Club | Reported Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manuel Akanji | 40 | 5* | 3* | 2 | Manchester City | £15 million (+ bonuses) |
| Marc Guehi | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Crystal Palace | N/A |
*Five goals and three assists are combined totals from Akanji’s Manchester City career (since 2022).
Context Around City’s Squad Decisions
This development follows Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s decision to omit both Akanji and Ilkay Gundogan from the squad for the recent 2-0 home defeat by Tottenham. As the transfer deadline looms, further changes could be imminent at both Selhurst Park and the Etihad.
