Swiss defender Akanji signs 5-year deal with Manchester City

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Manchester City have completed the signing of Swiss defender Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund, the Premier League club said in a statement on Thursday.

"The 27-year-old centre-back arrives on a five-year deal, which keeps him at the Club until the summer of 2027," the Sky Blues said.

Akanji said at the signing ceremony he is "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," he added.

Akanji scored two goals and four assists in 158 appearances during his 4.5-year stay at Borussia Dortmund. He helped them win the German Super Cup in 2019 and the German Cup in 2020/21.

Txiki Begiristain, the club's football director, also praised Akanji after completing his move to the Etihad Stadium, saying: "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."