- City monitoring Ibrahim Maza
- Premier League rivals also interested
- Leverkusen talent attracting attention
Manchester City are reportedly facing growing competition in the race to sign highly-rated Ibrahim Maza from Bayer 04 Leverkusen this summer.
Ibrahima Maza has emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising young players following an impressive campaign in Germany.
However, the German-born Algerian international’s future remains uncertain as multiple clubs are monitoring his situation at Bayer Leverkusen.
Man City are also in the mix, who are planning to make the £60m+ payment to secure the 20-year-old’s signature.
Manchester City face Chelsea and Aston Villa competition
However, the Sky Blues now face competition from multiple fronts, reports TEAMtalk. The media outlet confirmed that Chelsea and Aston Villa are closely monitoring the player.
Villa might win a Champions League spot again next season as they currently stand fifth in the Premier League.
In the 2024/25 campaign, they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and are in the semi-finals of the Europa League this season.
In short, Unai Emery is hoping to strengthen the squad to win trophies in Europe. Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth are also in the race, but they won’t be much of a hassle to compete against.
Pep Guardiola needs a midfielder this summer
Bernardo Silva will be leaving the club at the end of the season, and Pep Guardiola is planning for midfield reinforcements in the summer.
Rodri is also a doubt, but many sources have concluded that the Spaniard will stay at the Etihad next season.
However, that doesn’t take away the flight risk, as Rodri has previously indicated his interest in returning to Spain.
With Maza being able to play anywhere in the midfield, he is one of the best midfield options for Man City, considering the transfer buzz.
Guardiola and Emery situations could influence Maza’s decision
The managerial situation at City and Villa could also affect Maza’s decision. Leverkusen are in no hurry to sell, with Maza’s contract running till 2030.
However, Aston Villa can offer him better footballing exposure than the German side. Man City remain the best option, but Guardiola’s uncertainty can add to the doubts.
The Catalan manager has a contract that runs till 2027, but many sources have indicated an early exit this summer.
Italy has also turned out to be a possible destination for Guardiola. The City gaffer has long talked about managing a national team one day.
Emery, on the other hand, has a contract running till 2029. Likewise, a possible Champions League qualification next season will only add to his stability at Villa Park.
