Reportedly Premier League champions Manchester City are keeping an eye on the Real Valladolid defender Juma Bahthe 18-year-old central defender from Sierra Leone, who impressed in his debut season in Spain’s LaLiga.
Bah, who is an impressive 1.90 meters tall, moved to Valladolid on loan from his hometown club AIK Freetong in August and has quickly established himself in the first team, playing seven league games so far this season.
The talented teenager’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. According to the report, City are considering a move for Bah once the transfer window opens in January.
However, the Premier League leaders could face competition from domestic rivals Newcastle united, everton And Crystal Palacewho are all said to be admirers of the young defender.
Bah began his youth career with AIK Freetong in Sierra Leone in 2021 before catching the attention of Valladolid scouts during a loan spell Freetonian SLIFA. He was subsequently signed by the Spanish club on a temporary contract, with the original plan to have him play for the B team and then quickly be included in the senior team.
The news comes at a time when Manchester City are struggling with a defensive crisis of their own, having failed to win any of their last six games in all competitions and have conceded 17 goals in that run.
manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the team’s struggles, admitting he’s “not enjoying it at all” and is trying to be closer to his players as they try to change their form.
It remains to be seen whether City will act on their reported interest in Bah, but the Sierra Leonean’s rapid rise has certainly caught the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.