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Sierra Leone defender Juma Bah is expected to join German Bundesliga side Augsburg on loan from Manchester City, with the move potentially including an option for the club to make the transfer permanent.
The 19-year-old centre-back was recalled by City manager Enzo Maresca following the end of his loan spell at Nice last season. However, Bah was not included in City’s pre-season squad and has instead been working on his fitness and individual training while his next move is finalised.
Bah’s rise through European football has been rapid. Born and raised in Freetown, the defender began his career in Sierra Leone before his performances earned him an opportunity to move abroad. His progress eventually took him to Spain, where he joined Real Valladolid and made his breakthrough as a highly rated young centre-back.
His time at Valladolid brought Bah to the attention of some of Europe’s leading clubs. His combination of strength, pace and composure attracted Manchester City, who secured his services as he continued his development at the highest level.
Rather than immediately becoming part of City’s first-team plans, Bah was given opportunities to gain regular senior football through loan moves. He joined French side Lens before moving to Nice, where he continued to gain experience in Ligue 1.
His performances in France have helped build his reputation and maintained his status as one of Sierra Leone’s most promising young players.
A move to Augsburg would give Bah another opportunity to play regular top-flight football, this time in the Bundesliga, as he looks to continue his development and push towards establishing himself at Manchester City.
The proposed agreement could include an option for Augsburg to sign Bah permanently for a fee of about €20m, although the buy-out clause is not expected to be mandatory.
For the Leone Stars defender, a move to Germany would mark another significant stage in a journey that began on the streets and football pitches of Freetown and has taken him to Spain, England and France before a potential Bundesliga move.
