‘No chance’ – Manchester City loanee bluntly shuts down chances of Premier League recall

Manuel Akanji has no intentions of a Premier League return in the immediate future.

Speaking ahead of Inter Milan’s Champions League clash against Arsenal on Tuesday, which is live on talkSPORT 2, Akanji was asked about the chances of a recall to Manchester City amid their defensive crisis.

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Pep Guardiola’s side are thin on the ground in the centre-back department with Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones all sidelined.

However, City have added a major reinforcement in the form of England international Marc Guehi, who has joined on a five-and-a-half-year deal from Crystal Palace.

Will Akanji make a mid-season return to City?

When asked whether he could make a mid-season dash back to the Etihad Stadium and bolster City’s back line alongside Guehi, the Swiss star quickly shot down any such talk.

“The earlier question was about whether I’d return in the winter and I said no chance,” Akanji said.

“I don’t know what will happen in the summer.

“It’s not only up to me, we’ll see what happens at the end of the year, but I’m very happy here and I hope this continues. We’ll see.”

Could Akanji join Inter on a permanent basis?

Inter will have the opportunity to prolong Akanji’s stay at the club as the deal to sign the Swiss defender includes an option to make it a permanent switch for €15million (£13m).

However, that option will become an obligation should Inter win Serie A.

Akanji is one of the more high-profile City stars to have been loaned out this season along with £100million man Jack Grealish, who is spending the 2025/26 campaign at Everton.

How has Akanji performed for Inter this season?

The centre-back’s temporary switch to Inter has proved largely fruitful having made 25 appearances across all competitions.

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Crucially for Akanji, he has started 22 of those, including all 19 of Inter’s Serie A matches.

In the matches Akanji has started at centre-back, Inter have kept 11 clean sheets.

Akanji joined City in September 2022 from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth approximately £15m.

The Swiss star didn’t waste any time making an early impression as he was named City’s Player of the Month the following month.

Akanji enjoyed a memorable first season at the Etihad as City went on to win the treble.

Despite starting 35 games across all competitions for City last season, Akanji faced a diminished role this term following the summer arrival of left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri, which meant Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias loomed as the preferred centre-back pairing.

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With a World Cup on the horizon, Akanji has prioritised game time and opted to join Inter for the season.

Cristian Chivu’s side sit top of Serie after 21 games on 49 points, three clear of second-placed AC Milan.

Inter are also well in the mix to qualify directly for the Champions League last 16 as they are placed sixth in the league phase table after six matches on 12 points.

Chivu and his troops will look to solidify their spot in the top eight on Tuesday against Arsenal, with the clash due to kick-off at 8pm.

talkSPORT will have fans covered for all the action unfolding at the San Siro with live commentary from Adam Bridge and ex-England defender Alvin Martin.

Coverage will begin at 7:45pm on talkSPORT 2.