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Manchester City target highly rated Bayer Leverkusen youngster with 11 goal contributions this season

James ChittickJames Chittick
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  • Man City interested in Bundesliga youngster
  • Player has five goals and six assists this season
  • City monitoring his situation

Manchester City are closely monitoring Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza, and may look to sign the 20-year-old Algerian international this summer.

Maza joined Leverkusen last summer, signing a five-year deal with the German club. Already a senior international, he has 15 caps for Algeria.

City were interested in signing him last summer, but missed out when he joined his current club for around £10 million.

However, it has now been reported that the Carabao Cup winners are ready to reignite their interest in the youngster and pursue a move in the upcoming window.

Bayer Leverkusen to demand big money for Ibrahim Maza

Having missed out on signing Maza last year, Man City may now have to spend far more than Leverkusen’s £10m investment.

Reports indicate the Bundesliga side would demand in excess of £60m for Maza, making him a major signing if he does move to the Etihad Stadium.

Given his contract situation, with four years remaining on the five-year deal he signed last summer, Leverkusen are under no pressure to sell on the cheap.

They can therefore hold firm until an offer matches their valuation, giving the German side all the negotiating power.

Where would Maza fit into the Manchester City team?

Primarily operating in the number 10 role, Maza is also capable of shifting out onto either flank or playing as a second striker.

His five goals and six assists are evidence of his ability to both score and create, while his movement, passing and creativity are also standout attributes.

With Bernardo Silva leaving the Citizens at the end of the season, Maza could be a natural replacement for the Portuguese star.

Plus, given his age profile, he would be a perfect long-term signing that could either become a mainstay in the squad, or be sold on for profit at a later date.

Maza is one of the brightest young talents in Germany

There is still every chance that City may be willing to match Leverkusen’s price to secure one of the top rising talents in the Bundesliga.

At just 20 years old, the youngster has shown immense quality and the potential to reach even greater heights if he continues on his current trajectory.

It is no surprise that Leverkusen do not want to sell, but the player will likely be a deciding factor in determining the outcome of any negotiations.

If a suitable offer comes in and Maza wants the move, it is difficult to see a situation where he does not become a City player.

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James is an experienced football journalist specialising in the Premier League, EFL Championship and other top European competitions. Having previously written for titles including the Daily Mirror, Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Echo, James now brings his extensive knowledge and passion for the game to Read Man City.

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