Sevilla target Manchester City’s rising star Juma Bah for January move

Sierra Leonean prodigy Abdulay Juma Bah, currently on loan at OGC Nice, has emerged as a transfer target for Sevilla FC, who are keen to bring the highly-rated defender to Spain in the upcoming January transfer window, Footy-Africa can exclusively reveal.

Bah, who became a Manchester City player last summer after joining from Real Valladolid in a deal worth around €13 million, spent the latter part of the 2024/25 season on loan at RC Lens, where he impressed with his composure, pace, and maturity beyond his years.

The 19-year-old’s performances at Nice this season, have since attracted attention across Europe, with Sevilla now pushing to secure his signature as they look to reinforce their defensive ranks. The Spanish side are likely to bid in January in a deal worthy around €20 million.

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A source close to the player’s agency, Global Soccer Management, confirmed the interest, telling Footy-Africa:

“Sevilla have been monitoring Juma since his time at Lens and have now made their intentions clear. They believe he’s ready for La Liga football at the top level. Manchester City are aware of the interest, but any decision will depend on what’s best for his development. Bah is happy at Nice, but he’s ambitious, he wants to keep playing regularly at the highest level.”

Bah has featured prominently for Nice this season, continuing his rapid rise from Real Valladolid in Spain and AIK Freetong in Sierra Leone to becoming one of Africa’s most promising defensive talents under Manchester City’s umbrella. This season at Nice, he has so far made 11 appearances, completing 90 minutes 10 times.

For the Sierra Leone national team, Bah, whose transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €6 million, has made six competitive caps, having debuted this year.