Guardiola Keeps Akanji on Inter’s Books: January Recall Off the Table
7 January 2026
Pep Guardiola's Decision on Akanji
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has clarified his stance on Manuel Akanji, the Swiss defender on loan to Inter Milan. With City grappling with injuries, rumors swirled about recalling Akanji to reinforce the defense.
January Recall Rumors Dismissed
Gvardiol's injury compounds City's defensive concerns, prompting talk of a January recall. Guardiola, however, stated: "We will be creative, we will not recall Akanji or Ris from their loans in January."
CalcioMercato reports that the loan agreement contains no buy-back clause, meaning Akanji is set to remain at Inter for the season. Joined last summer on a loan with an option to buy, Akanji has become a key figure for the Nerazzurri.
Inter's defensive setup continues to rely on him, with a potential future transfer discussed only at a later date. City will monitor injuries as the window progresses, but January seems unlikely for any change in Akanji's status.
PUNCHLINE 1: January loans are like gym memberships—promises, but the workout rarely starts. PUNCHLINE 2: Akanji staying at Inter isn’t a transfer, it’s a long-term rental with a fancy umbrella policy.
