Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake react to two-word Man City message from Manuel Akanji
Rico Lewis and Nathan Ake reacted to a message from their Man City teammate Manuel Akanji on social media.
Having been an integral part of the Citizens’ staunch backline in his first two seasons at the club, the Swiss defender has been blighted by injuries this campaign.
Akanji has missed 15 games due to injury for Man City this season, but made his return after a layoff by appearing off the bench in the 1-0 win over Wolves on Friday (2 May).
The Sky Blues have endured a miserable season, falling out of the title race early on and crashing out of the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid.
However, Man City’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest secured their spot in this year’s FA Cup final, giving Pep Guardiola’s side a chance of still claiming some silverware.
Manuel Akanji ‘all in’ as Man City look to secure Champions League spot
Ahead of City’s clash with the already-relegated Southampton on Saturday (10 May), Akanji shared an update from the training ground as his rehabilitation from a lengthy layoff continues.
The former Borussia Dortmund defender shared three images on Instagram, captioned: “All in”.
The post was then liked by Ake and Lewis, with the pair showing support for their teammate as City look to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Manuel Akanji could be moved on this summer after difficult Man City campaign
Football Insider Verdict
Having suffered several injuries this season, it would be no surprise to see City look to cash in on Akanji this summer.
At 29 years old, the Swiss defender still holds some resale value and has failed to impress even when fit for the Sky Blues.
Akanji has won just 46.6% of his duels in the Premier League this season, a stark drop-off from the 55.6% he was winning last season.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Akanji |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Starts | 20 |
| Tackles won % | 68.8% |
| Duels won % | 46.6% |
| Minutes | 1,744 |
City’s signing of two centre-backs in Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis in January highlighted Guardiola’s desire to revitalise that area of his side.
Keeping Akanji potentially threatens both those players’ long-term development, and as such, the Spaniard may look to sell the former Basel defender this summer.