Manchester City Target Young La Liga Defender to Strengthen Backline

According to reports, Manchester City have set their sights on one of La Liga’s most promising young defenders as they look to address their ongoing defensive struggles this season.

City’s disappointing campaign took another hit over the weekend with a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, leaving them in 7th place and 12 points behind league leaders Liverpool. Manager Pep Guardiola admitted after the match that his side are no longer in contention for the Premier League title.

The defending champions have been plagued by defensive issues, conceding 25 goals already this season – just one fewer than in their entire title-winning 2021/22 campaign. Injuries to key defenders like Nathan Ake, John Stones and Ruben Dias have exacerbated the problem.

In an effort to shore up their backline, City are reportedly interested in 18-year-old center-back Juma Bah, currently on loan at Real Valladolid from Sierra Leone club AIK Freetong. The 6’5″ defender has impressed with assured performances in La Liga this season.

According to insider Alan Nixon, City are willing to pay £12 million for Bah in January, with plans to loan him back to Valladolid for the remainder of the season. The teenage defender is said to be keen on a Premier League move despite interest from Barcelona as well.

Football analyst Chencho Alonso has praised Bah’s commanding presence, defensive positioning, and composure on the ball. As the first Sierra Leone native to play in Spain’s top flight, Bah is seen as an exciting prospect for the future.

While no deal has been finalized, City’s reported interest in the young defender signals their intent to address their defensive frailties as they look to turn their season around in 2024.