What is the next move for a promising Manchester City centre-back? | OneFootball

Manchester City are blessed to have a plethora of quality centre-backs in their squad. City have experienced defenders such as Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake in their ranks. They also have a talented group of promising young centre-backs. Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Max Alleyne and Stephen Mfuni all shape as key players in Manchester City’s future. Also, City have Juma Bah. The young defender spent last season on loan at OGC Nice in Ligue One. Given the amount of quality centre-backs that City have, it seems that Juma Bah will again not feature for Manchester City for the 2026-27 season.

Juma Bah showed promising signs at OGC Nice last season but not enough to indicate that he is ready for a role at Manchester City.

Juma Bah was a mainstay of the OGC Nice defence last season as they struggled throughout their 2025-26 campaign. Bah made 41 appearances in all competitions. He played 3,130 minutes, which is exactly what the 20-year-old centre-back needed. Last season didn’t go to plan for OGC Nice as they had to beat St. Ettiene in the promotion/relegation play-off to remain in Ligue One. Last season was a battle for OGC Nice and a learning experience for Juma Bah.

Juma Bah’s composure in possession stood out when he did play for OGC Nice last season. Bah is an elegant ball-playing centre-back, although his ability in possession didn’t really seem suited to playing in a team that battled relegation last season. Defensively, Bah was serviceable but at times he, and his teammates were exposed playing in a lowly OGC Nice side.

The statistics below paint a picture of Juma Bah’s 2025-26 season. He was very good in possession. Aerially, Bah was strong, which isn’t a surprise given his size. However, he struggled to impose himself as a defender. His tackling percentage against dribblers is well below average, as is his rate of completed tackles. Juma Bah isn’t ready for a role at Manchester City. That is clear to see.

Perhaps a loan move to a Premier League club is the logical step for Juma Bah.

All is not lost for Juma Bah. He is a promising young centre-back and his next move is vital to his chances of making it at Manchester City. It would seem that another loan move beckons for the young defender. Or perhaps a permanent move with City including a buy-back clause. But what is the best move for Juma Bah?

Perhaps it is time for Juma Bah to find a move to a Premier League club. Bah has the size, talent and potential to make it in the Premier League. In fact, it may be the ideal move for him. Juma Bah faces a critical 2026-27 season. Playing regularly in the Premier League and thriving may present Bah will his path into the City first-team. If that is what occurs for the young defender it would be up to Juma Bah to improve his deficiencies against elite competition. If he could do that, it may set him up for the future.

It is hard to see Juma Bah being involved at Manchester City next season. He doesn’t seem ready to make that step. However, a loan or permanent move to a Premier League club may accelerate Bah’s development. That looks to be the next logical step for a defender who has the physical and technical tools to make it at the highest level.