Sierra Leone prodigy Abdulay Juma Bah is on the verge of completing a sensational move to European giants Manchester City, following an agreement between the player, the Premier League club, Real Valladolid, and AIK Freetong, The Nerve Africa sources have exclusively learned.
The English Premier League champions have been active during the January transfer window and have pursued Bah for nearly a month. The 18-year-old defender ultimately chose to join Pep Guardiola’s side, turning down interest from other suitors, including Inter Milan and Barcelona.
According to sources at his representing agency, Global Soccer Management, Manchester City has finalized the agreement to sign the 2006-born central defender from Real Valladolid. Bah will sign a six-year contract, with the Citizens paying approximately €13 million for the transfer.
However, Bah will not immediately join Guardiola’s squad. Instead, Manchester City has decided to loan him to French side RC Lens to further his development until the end of the 2024/2025 season. He is expected to link up with the Manchester City squad in June for pre-season preparations.
“The interest from Manchester City has been there for some time, as I mentioned weeks ago. Inter Milan and Barcelona were also interested, but Barcelona’s interest was never formal. We had to sit and discuss what was best for Bah. So, yes, there’s an agreement in place with Manchester City—a six-year deal worth around €13 million, which will go to Real Valladolid and his initial parent club, AIK Freetong,” the source exclusively told The Nerve Africa.
Since joining Real Valladolid on loan last summer, Bah has experienced a meteoric rise, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders. The Sierra Leonean defender spent most of his youth career at AIK Freetong before making the move to Europe.
Bah has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Real Valladolid’s reserve and senior teams, with 13 coming for the first team. His move to Manchester City is expected to provide him with even greater exposure and opportunities for growth.
