Mercato OM: Akanji on the radar — pace, experience and distribution for Marseille?

A big-time profile on Longoria’s radar

With just hours left in the transfer window, the name doing the rounds at La Commanderie is giving Team OM chills: Manuel Akanji. According to MediaFootball and GolaTV, the 28-year-old center-back, reigning English champion with Manchester City, is now being closely monitored by Olympique de Marseille.

The Swiss defender, born in 1995 in Neftenbach, ticks every box for a top-tier reinforcement: 1.86 m, powerful in duels, quick to cover in behind, and remarkably clean in his build-up play. His vertical passing is a trademark, enough to win over Pep Guardiola, who has regularly started him on the big Premier League and Champions League nights.

Why not OM?

According to GolaTV, Akanji turned down an approach from AC Milan this summer, judging the Lombard project less appealing without the Champions League. And that’s precisely the trump card for Pablo Longoria and Medhi Benatia: OM will be playing in Europe, and Roberto De Zerbi wants a defensive leader capable of marshalling a back line in the midst of a rebuild.

🔮Manuel Akanji aparece en la órbita del Olympique de Marsella 

ℹ️El defensor suizo rechazo una propuesta del AC Milan ya que no juega Champions League #TeamOM | #MercatOMhttps://t.co/D2DOJ5s3I7

— GolaTV (@GolaTVV) September 1, 2025

At 28, Akanji is at the heart of his prime. A Swiss international with 60-plus caps, a starter at Euro 2024, he is among the most consistent defenders of his generation. Imagining his defensive intelligence and composure at the Vélodrome is enough to get the fans excited.

A defensive rebuild in full swing

OM have already wrapped up the signing of Emerson Palmieri, and Nayef Aguerd is on the verge of being made official. But recent weeks have exposed the fragility of the unit, between Balerdi’s errors and Egan-Riley’s sending-off against Lyon. De Zerbi is demanding a reliable, experienced leader: Akanji would fit that bill perfectly.

His versatility is another asset: while he shines in the middle, he can also operate on the right in a back three, a system the Italian coach favors.

Dream or real possibility?

Let’s be realistic: prying Akanji away from City looks Herculean, both financially and sportingly. But the fact his camp ruled out Milan for competitiveness reasons leaves the door ajar for a surprise. OM, buoyed by an already spectacular window (Vermeeren, Emerson, Aguerd, O’Riley…), are chasing one last statement move.

So, pipe dream or a real roll of the dice? One thing is certain: seeing Akanji in White and Blue would take this Olympian transfer window to another level.

👉 Team OM, what do you think? Could Akanji be the defensive boss De Zerbi is missing, or is this just daydreaming?