Manchester City have made a number of shrewd signings over the years that explain why they have dominated English football in unprecedented fashion.
One of them is Erling Haaland, who cost Manchester City £51 million — which is a measly figure for one of the best strikers in Premier League history.
Manchester City paid £14.1 million to sign Julian Alvarez — who was a key contributor to their success before departing the Etihad Stadium for more than four times the initial fee when he signed for Atletico Madrid.
Manuel Akanji’s price tag is £15 million as well and Jack Grealish has lauded his signing.
Jack Grealish calls Manuel Akanji one of the Premier League’s best-ever bargain signings
Jack Grealish named Akanji as one of the best one-v-one defenders he has ever come up against.
But more pertinently, Jack Grealish believes Manuel Akanji is one of the best value-for-money signings the Premier League has ever seen.
The Manchester City winger told SimplyFG’s YouTube channel: “Manu, I think, he’s one of the biggest bargains in Premier League history. That is no over exaggeration.”
“He was £15 million or something and he’s one of the best one-v-one defenders I’ve ever played against.”
Grealish’s toughest opponent is Kyle Walker but since his loan move to AC Milan, he has named Akanji as the most challenging defender he comes up against.
“Now, it would be Manu Akanji, yeah, strong, fast.”
The one man at Man City responsible for signing Manuel Akanji
It is hard to disagree with Grealish as Akanji has been a revelation at Manchester City, especially during his debut season where he played a crucial role in his side winning the treble.
Pep Guardiola thanked Txiki Begiristain for signing Akanji, who was a last-minute addition from Borussia Dortmund and has proven to be a brilliant buy.
Guardiola said in November 2023: “What a signing Man City has done. He can play full-back, central defender, now holding midfield.”
“When he arrives in the final third, he has ability to make passes, he’s fast, he’s strong, what a player Txiki has brought me here!”
Akanji has quickly become one of Pep Guardiola’s trusted soldiers, who he will be relying on him until the end of the season after his recent return from injury.
