Manchester City has officially signed 18-year-old Sierra Leonean center-back Juma Bah from Real Valladolid.
Following the acquisition, Bah will spend the remainder of the season on loan at French Ligue 1 club RC Lens.
The 2006 born defender will be part of City’s future project, while now replacing Khusanov at Lens.
Bah’s journey to Manchester City has been marked by rapid progression and recent controversy. After joining Valladolid in August 2024, he made history as the first Sierra Leonean to play in La Liga. However, his departure from the Spanish club was contentious. Valladolid accused Manchester City of encouraging Bah to unilaterally terminate his contract by paying his release clause, a move that led to threats of legal action from the Spanish side.
Despite the dispute, Manchester City proceeded with the signing and immediately arranged for Bah’s development through a loan to RC Lens. This move is expected to provide the young defender with valuable first-team experience in a competitive European league.
Bah’s ascent from playing in Sierra Leone to joining one of Europe’s top clubs underscores his significant potential. As he embarks on this new chapter with RC Lens, both Manchester City and Sierra Leonean football enthusiasts will be keenly observing his progress.
May he continue to project the God giving talent in the good way