Manchester City star seals permanent summer exit after successful loan spell

Akanji recently won the Serie A title with Inter -Credit:Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Having also featured prominently over the following two years, Akanji found himself surplus to requirements at the start of this season, and a transfer to Inter was arranged.

The terms of the loan stipulated that a permanent fee of €15 (£13) million would be activated if Akanji featured in at least 50 per cent of Serie A matches and the team claimed the title, as per the Manchester Evening News.

A 2-0 victory over Parma sealed the championship at the weekend, with Akanji having appeared in the majority of games. The 30-year-old is content with life in Milan alongside his family and will now remain there on a permanent basis, while the Blues recoup nearly as much as they originally paid for the defender four years ago.

Akanji could be reunited with his former teammates this summer, with City set to face Inter in their opening pre-season friendly on August 1 in Hong Kong.

That scenario could hinge on how deep a run Switzerland makes at the FIFA World Cup, however, with several of City's first-team stars also expected to be granted rest following the international tournament, which may delay or prevent their integration with the squad.

John Stones is also departing City this summer as a free agent, while Nathan Ake could similarly exit the club. The Dutchman has one year remaining on his contract but has been outspoken about his desire for more regular playing time and could follow Akanji to Italy.