Man City line-up transfer for 6ft5in teenager to solve defensive crisis
Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing rising star Juma Bah as Pep Guardiola aims to patch up his leaking backline. The 18-year-old defender has impressed at Spanish side Real Valladolid after a loan move from AIK Freetong, a side from his home country of Sierra Leone. Bah is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after talents in EuropeGetty Bah was expected to feature for their B team but the 6ft5in player has forced his way through to the first team, playing 634 minutes in eight matches. He didn’t even have a player picture ready ahead of his La Liga debut against Real Sociedad. A match which resulted in Bah’s first Spanish league clean sheet. Compared to centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues he ranks in the 95th percentile for clearances per game with 5.63 and 98th percentile for aerials won with 3.81 per game. Despite his age, he seems mature and calm on the ball, exactly what Guardiola loves in a defender. He has not being overawed by the big occasions, even when playing against World Cup winners. When facing against Atletico Madrid, Julian Alvarez closed in on him Bah expertly outmanoeuvred the Argentine, sending him the wrong way with a fake pass and feint. With his huge frame he could add the much needed steel to Man City whose title race is on thin ice. But acquiring him will not be without competition because Everton, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are also eyeing Bah. Man City are on a six game winless streak in all competitions, including three consecutive losses in the Premier League. Guardiola during a 3-3 draw against FeyenoordGetty Most recently a 4-0 drubbing against Tottenham Hotspur, a team notorious for ruining Guardiola’s weekend. A drop in form that has seen Man City concede 17 goals possibly due to an injury crisis. John Stones, Manuel Akanju and Ruben Dias were all sidelined at some point through the run. Dias, arguably Man City’s best and most important defender, remains out. As January approaches Guardiola could look for reinforcements in hopes of winning a fifth consecutive league title. The Sun report that Bah is high up on his list. A big test awards City on Sunday against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who have stunned the league with their near perfect start, only losing one game to Nottingham Forest. Arsenal also remain a thorn in their side for the third season running.
Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing rising star Juma Bah as Pep Guardiola aims to patch up his leaking backline.
The 18-year-old defender has impressed at Spanish side Real Valladolid after a loan move from AIK Freetong, a side from his home country of Sierra Leone.
Bah was expected to feature for their B team but the 6ft5in player has forced his way through to the first team, playing 634 minutes in eight matches.
He didn’t even have a player picture ready ahead of his La Liga debut against Real Sociedad.
A match which resulted in Bah’s first Spanish league clean sheet.
Compared to centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues he ranks in the 95th percentile for clearances per game with 5.63 and 98th percentile for aerials won with 3.81 per game.
Despite his age, he seems mature and calm on the ball, exactly what Guardiola loves in a defender.
He has not being overawed by the big occasions, even when playing against World Cup winners.
When facing against Atletico Madrid, Julian Alvarez closed in on him Bah expertly outmanoeuvred the Argentine, sending him the wrong way with a fake pass and feint.
With his huge frame he could add the much needed steel to Man City whose title race is on thin ice.
But acquiring him will not be without competition because Everton, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are also eyeing Bah.
Man City are on a six game winless streak in all competitions, including three consecutive losses in the Premier League.
Most recently a 4-0 drubbing against Tottenham Hotspur, a team notorious for ruining Guardiola’s weekend.
A drop in form that has seen Man City concede 17 goals possibly due to an injury crisis.
John Stones, Manuel Akanju and Ruben Dias were all sidelined at some point through the run.
Dias, arguably Man City’s best and most important defender, remains out.
As January approaches Guardiola could look for reinforcements in hopes of winning a fifth consecutive league title.
The Sun report that Bah is high up on his list.
A big test awards City on Sunday against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who have stunned the league with their near perfect start, only losing one game to Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal also remain a thorn in their side for the third season running.
