Manchester City’s Juma Bah Set to Choose Between Lyon and Nice for Next Loan Move

Young Manchester City defender Juma Bah is close to deciding his next club. Ligue 1 sides Olympique Lyon and OGC Nice are both interested in signing him on a season-long loan.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Juma Bah joined Manchester City from Real Valladolid in January and was loaned to Lens last season. He impressed in Ligue 1, starting eight of Lens’ last 10 matches and helping them finish eighth. Now back at City, Bah has attracted interest from Lyon and Nice, both of whom have approached his representatives with their sporting projects. The 19-year-old centre-back is expected to make a final decision in the coming days, with both clubs hopeful of signing him for the 2025/26 campaign.

According to a previous report we published, Bah’s anticipated loan spell will be his third in three seasons in England, after two stints at EFL Championship clubs Bristol City and of course Coventry City two years ago.

WHY ARE LYON AND NICE INTERESTED?

Bah’s performances in France have not gone unnoticed. Standing at 6ft 5in, his physical presence and composure caught the eye during his time at Lens, where he contributed to four clean sheets. Lyon finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season, missing out on Champions League football despite a strong second half of the campaign. Nice finished just above them in fifth and will play in Europe next season. Both teams want to strengthen their defence as they aim for higher league positions and continental success.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR JUMA BAH AND THE CLUBS?

With pre-season fast approaching, a decision is expected very soon. Lyon’s first Ligue 1 match of the 2025/26 season is against Strasbourg, and they aim to close the gap on their rivals. Nice will begin their league campaign against Reims, hoping their European commitments do not affect their domestic form. Whichever club signs Bah will strengthen their defence, and Manchester City will be watching closely to monitor his development and readiness for future first-team involvement.