Juma Bah has finalized a season-long loan move to OGC Nice from Manchester City for the 2025–26 campaign, aiming to sharpen his skills with more consistent game time. After strong stints in Spain and France last season, the young defender is set for another pivotal year in his development.
Having signed a long-term deal with Manchester City back in January, Bah’s rise has been steady and impressive. During a six-month period with Real Valladolid, he appeared in 11 out of 13 La Liga games, earning praise for his performance in Spain. He was then immediately sent to Ligue 1 side Lens, where he played eight of their final ten matches, helping them secure four clean sheets and an eighth-place finish.
The 19-year-old Sierra Leone international stood out not just for his performances, but also for his physical presence. At 6ft 5in, Bah adds strength to Nice’s backline, which suffered key injuries late last season. The club’s president, Jean-Pierre Rivere, emphasized how his addition brings balance to a previously weakened defensive unit.
Bah had reportedly considered a loan switch to Lyon, but the club’s relegation to Ligue 2 due to financial issues led him to choose Nice instead. With the French side securing a fourth-place Ligue 1 finish and entering the third qualifying round of the Champions League, the move presented a better fit for Bah’s aspirations.
Nice’s sporting director Florian Maurice shared high praise for Bah, noting his consistency and adaptability during his time at Lens. He expressed confidence that Bah could swiftly adjust to the club’s tactical approach and contribute significantly in the coming season.
Speaking on his decision, Bah said the club’s structure and philosophy attracted him. From his prior Ligue 1 experience, he recognized the team’s quality in every position and admired the attacking mindset driven by the coach. These aspects made a strong impression and played a big role in his final choice.
Bah’s arrival at the start of pre-season will allow him to blend in quickly and understand the dynamics of the team. Manchester City, on their part, opted for the loan to ensure the youngster gains valuable experience away from a heavily crowded central defence that includes Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and others.
With Champions League football on the horizon and high expectations for the upcoming season, Bah’s presence could be key to Nice’s ambitions. The stage is set for the defender to showcase his potential on a bigger platform and continue his steady rise in European football.