Inter Milan has signed Swiss defender Manuel Akanji on loan from Manchester City as the Serie A club looks to strengthen its defense following a 2-1 loss to Udinese over the weekend.

The move comes after Inter’s defensive struggles were highlighted in last season’s 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Inter announced the signing on Tuesday, stating that the loan deal includes an option to make the transfer permanent, which could become mandatory if certain conditions are fulfilled.

Akanji, 30, was a regular under Pep Guardiola when Manchester City won the treble in 2023. However, he was recently moved on as City brought in younger players. Primarily a center back, Akanji can also play as a fullback on either side.

During three years at City, Akanji made 136 appearances, scored five goals, and helped the club win two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a Community Shield, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup.

He has also played 71 times for Switzerland and was included in the team of the tournament when the national team reached the quarterfinals of Euro 2024. Akanji is, however, remembered for missing the decisive penalty in Switzerland’s shootout defeat to England at the tournament.

Inter’s veteran center back Francesco Acerbi, 37, struggled in Sunday’s loss to Udinese and faced controversy after rejecting a call-up to Italy’s squad in May.