New signing Manuel Akanji believes he can 'fit perfectly' into Manchester City's style

Swiss defender, 27, joins from Borussia Dortmund and says he is a big admirer of the way Pep Guardiola's team plays

Switzerland's Manuel Akanji, left, in action with Portugal's Andre Silva during a Uefa Nations League match on June 12, 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. Reuters

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of defender Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract.

Though City did not mention a transfer fee, British media reported that the Premier League champions will pay Dortmund £17 million for the 27-year-old Switzerland international.

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With the European transfer window in its final hours, City manager Pep Guardiola has moved to bolster his defensive ranks.

Akanji, who has 41 caps for his country, will provide competition for John Stones, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, and Nathan Ake, and said he believes he is the perfect fit for City.

“Yes, I love the way Manchester City plays,” Akanji told ManCity.com.

“I watch a lot of Premier League and obviously a lot of Manchester City games, because they have been champions many times in recent years.

“I really like the football style the team plays, and I think I can fit perfectly in that style”

Akanji becomes City's fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Erling Haaland, Klavin Phillips, Sergio Gomez and Stefan Ortega.

City are second in the Premier League table on 13 points, two behind leaders Arsenal, following Wednesday's 6-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest.

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Perr Schuurs - Ajax to Torino (£8m). AFP

Manchester City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “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.”

Updated: September 01, 2022, 9:53 AM