Manchester City and OGC Nice have reached a verbal agreement for Sierra Leonean defender Juma Bah (19) to join the French club on loan, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Nice secured the deal ahead of Olympique Lyonnais (OL), with the prospect of UEFA Champions League football—should Nice advance past the qualifying rounds—playing a key role in the decision.

OL had initially been frontrunners to sign Bah on loan, with reports suggesting they sought a free loan as part of Rayan Cherki’s €42 million move to Manchester City. However, Lyon’s focus on extending Clinton Mata’s contract allowed Nice to swoop in.

Bah spent the second half of last season on loan at RC Lens, where he impressed with 10 Ligue 1 appearances, four clean sheets, 37 recoveries, and 17 interceptions. The 19-year-old center-back showcased maturity beyond his years, earning recognition as one of Europe’s top young talents.

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Prior to his Lens stint, Bah also excelled at Real Valladolid in Spain’s La Liga, further solidifying his reputation as a rising defensive star.

The loan move to Nice presents another opportunity for Bah to develop at a high level, with potential European football adding to the appeal. Official confirmation from both clubs is expected soon.