Ligue 1: RC Lens wants to keep Juma Bah but ...

RC Lens is eager to extend its partnership with Juma Bah, the central defender on loan from Manchester City since January 2025, but the future of the 19-year-old remains uncertain.

Having joined RC Lens during the winter transfer window after a notable stint at Real Valladolid and a move to Manchester City, Juma Bah has managed to live up to the French club's expectations. The Sierra Leonean has made a real impact on the Lens defense in his eight Ligue 1 appearances.

Despite a rapid adaptation and consistently strong performances, the Sierra Leonean's future hangs in the balance. The Lens management, pleased with his contributions, hope to renew his loan for next season. However, Manchester City, while not planning to integrate Bah into their first team, is considering another loan move for him—but not necessarily to Lens.

The situation is further complicated as Juma Bah is attracting the interest of other clubs. Notably, the player himself, in search of a new challenge, is particularly open to approaches from teams competing in European tournaments. With RC Lens set to miss out on European competition next season, the club must accelerate negotiations and convince the Sierra Leonean defender to stay. The final decision will rest as much with Manchester City as with Juma Bah himself, whose market value is estimated at €4 million by Transfermarkt.

Lydiane N'Po |

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Sports journalist specializing in African football, covering football news, exclusive stories and digital content for passionate fans of the game.