Manchester City have three promising young centre-backs [out on loan](https://esteemedkompany.com/2025/12/26/how-have-a-selection-of-manchester-city-players-fared-on-loan-this-season/) this season. Vitor Reis, Max Alleyne and Juma Bah are getting first-team experience at Girona, Watford and OGC Nice respectively. Vitor Reis looks to be a player who will become the future of the City defence. Max Alleyne is highly regarded at the Etihad. Juma Bah has shown flashes of his undoubted promise playing in France. Bah has now been linked with a potential move from City with Brentford and Crystal Palace interested in securing his services. Truth be told, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Juma Bah sold by City given how many centre-backs, both experienced and promising, City have on their books.
Manchester City could make a tidy profit if they sell Juma Bah.
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Jack Gaughan has reported for the [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15422025/Manchester-City-transfer-news-January-Semenyo-Guehi-Bobb-Echeverri-Bah.html) that both Brentford and Crystal Palace have ‘tentative interest’ in signing Juma Bah permanently or on loan. Furthermore, Gaughan reports that City believe they could recoup a significant transfer fee for the promising young centre-back. Bah has at times impressed at OGC Nice this season, and on other occasions, he has looked every bit a promising raw young centre-back learning his trade.
Juma Bah may need a permanent move given what centre-backs City have on their books.
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Looking ahead, Juma Bah would face a battle to establish himself in the Manchester City defence. City already has Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake and John Stones in Pep Guardiola’s squad. The futures of Nathan Ake and John Stones at City are in doubt after this season. Vitor Reis seems to be the next centre-back in line to take on one of their positions. City could also look to sign another centre-back this summer as well.
Juma Bah seems to be just below Vitor Reis, and possibly Max Alleyne in the pecking order at City. Stephen Mfuni is another young defender who looks to have a bright future as well. Where Bah fits at City isn’t immediately clear. Perhaps a move to a Premier League club such as Crystal Palace or Brentford, can give him the opportunity he needs in the Premier League to establish himself. If he were sold by City, with a buy-back clause included, City could monitor his progression if he fulfils his undoubted potential.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Juma Bah sold by Manchester City in the future. He has shown signs that he could become an elite defender in time. But there may not be a path for him to do so at the Etihad. So it wouldn’t come as a shock if City did sell him but still maintain some control over his future.