Bursaspor striker Ali Akman has revealed he was close to joining Manchester City before electing to head to Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt instead.
The young striker is set to move to the Bundesliga at the end of the season after signing a pre-contract agreement with the German side last month.
Before then he had been linked with a move to Manchester City, who were said to be keen on the forward who has shone in Turkey with 14 goals and five assists in 45 games in all competitions for Bursaspor’s senior side.
That form had reportedly earned him interest around Europe, with Arsenal having also been linked with a move previously.
Indeed, the 18-year-old was believed to be doubly attractive courtesy of his contract situation, with his current deal expiring in the summer and him free to negotiate a free transfer in January.
At one point it was claimed Manchester City were close to completing a deal and he has confirmed he was leaning that way before changing his mind, courtesy of advice from Liverpool’s new signing Ozan Kabak.
“In fact, there were also offers from Italy and Spain. Atalanta, Manchester City, was a very serious candidate,” he told Goal Turkey.
“I had to make a choice. At one point, my mind went to Manchester City, but after careful thought, it was not that difficult to decide. I wanted to go step by step.
“I thought they would give me a better education in Germany. Germany is a must-go destination for young players.
“I met with Ozan Kabak. ‘Don’t even think about it. You will understand the difference better when you go to Germany,’ he said.
“I think very good things will happen, I don’t realize it right now, but when I go, I will understand better. I think Germany is the right school for me.”
