Why Man City changed transfer plan to land Manuel Akanji as defender explains move

Here are your Manchester City evening headlines for Thursday, September 1

Even Manuel Akanji could not hide the fact that his move to Manchester City was anything but written in the stars.

While some transfer targets are established in the beginning of the summer and eventually sealed in the final days, this deal was not that. As he put it: "It was a bit unexpected in the last stage of the transfer market, but when Manchester City asked me if I wanted to come here, I had no doubts about moving here."

READ MORE: Man City confirm Akanji squad number

Pep Guardiola had a week ago said that the club had discussed the idea of signing another central defender but dismissed the idea and would only do it if they woke up one morning and felt like it. What changed then?

Read the full story here >>>

Manuel Akanji can't wait to begin working with Pep Guardiola and believes he is the 'perfect' coach to help develop his career.

City have moved to make a rare deadline-day transfer by adding Manuel Akanji to their squad in a cut-price deal with Borussia Dortmund. The 27-year-old has penned a five-year deal at the Etihad and has taken No.25 shirt, which was vacated by former captain Fernandinho.

The Blues have brought in Akanji to add much-needed depth at centre-back, with Pep Guardiola's options currently low as Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake and Luke Mbete are all sidelined. Akanji is hoping to take his career to the next level under the manager's guidance.

Read what Akanji said about Guardiola here >>>

READ NEXT:

Manchester City news homepage

Akanji reveals role Haaland played in transfer

Haaland sends message to Man City rivals

Owen makes remarkable Haaland prediction

What Aguero said about