FREETOWN, 24 June 2025 – Sierra Leonean and Manchester City centre-back Juma Bah has reportedly inked a loan deal to another French top-flight side OGC Nice.
According to renowned journalist, Fabrizo Romano, Juma has already had verbal agreement with OGC Nice to join them on loan, despite interests from follow Ligue 1 rival, Olympique Lyon.
“Juma Bah from Manchester City to OGC Nice, here we go! Verbal agreement done for the defender to join the club on loan. Olympique Lyon and OGC Nice wanted Bah but the player has decided to proceed with Nice,” Romano disclosed on his social media handles.
The 19-year-old defender, born and raised in Freetown, attracted attention in Europe with impressive displays in Spain’s La Liga, notably becoming the first Sierra Leonean to feature there during his loan at Real Valladolid.
In January, Bah finalized a transfer to Premier League champions Manchester City, reportedly triggering his release clause valued at around €6 million—a move that stirred controversy, with Valladolid accusing City of encouraging the teenager to terminate his contract .
Immediately upon joining, City sent Bah on loan to French Ligue 1 side RC Lens. The tall centre-back (1.95 m) soon became a regular starter, earning praise for his aerial dominance and defensive maturity.
It remains to be seen whether Nice will extend the loan beyond next season or if Bah will strive to break into Manchester City’s star-studded first team. Some reports suggest he’s eager to impress Pep Guardiola, as he recently visited City’s Ethiad Stadium and tour around the first team locker room in order to be familiar in his future home.
Bah’s journey—from helping in a Freetown bakery to playing in Spain, France, and moving to one of the world’s richest clubs—is a huge inspiration to aspiring footballers back home.
He remains a key figure in the Leone Stars, having earned senior caps during 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
