Manchester City defender to be rewarded with major new contract after treble success

Manuel Akanji is set to be handed a new Manchester City contract following his role in the Sky Blues’ treble-winning campaign.

The 27 year-old had an incredible debut campaign in the Premier League after swapping Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City in a £15 million switch in September.

Akanji and Erling Haaland both moved from Signal Iduna Park to the Etihad Stadium last summer and helped Pep Guardiola’s side to a landmark treble, as the Blues lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

The Swiss international featured in 48 matches for Manchester City, starting 40 games across all competitions after making his debut against Sevilla in the Champions League.

The centre-back made his Premier League debut against Wolves in September and also started against Manchester United in the emphatic 6-3 win at the Etihad Stadium.

Akanji’s impressive maiden campaign with Manchester City was epitomised by Guardiola’s decision to start the defender in the Champions League Final last month ahead of Kyle Walker.

The 27 year-old also scored his first City goal in the Champions League, netting during the 4-0 win over Real Madrid in the semi-final second-leg in May.

As a result of a successful season, the centre-back is set to be rewarded with a significant new contract, despite penning a five-year deal less than a year ago.

The Daily Star report that Akanji will get a ‘bumper’ pay rise at the Etihad Stadium, with the Swiss defender’s weekly wages jumping from £100,000 to £150,000.

Akanji’s new deal comes despite Manchester City’s pursuit of a new central defender, as the club look to sign RB Leipzig and Croatia star Josko Gvardiol, who could cost the Blues €100 million.

The 27 year-old isn’t the only summer signing to be rewarded with a new deal after an incredible first season, with Manchester City having handed forward Julian Alvarez a new contract in March.

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