Manchester City are reportedly in discussions with Benfica regarding the early termination of Issa Kaboré’s season-long loan.
According to Record, as translated by Sport Witness, the Portuguese giants are dissatisfied with the right-back’s performances and want him to leave in January, six months earlier than initially planned.
Kaboré, 22, joined Benfica in the summer after an impressive loan spell with Luton Town, where he was a key figure in their Premier League campaign.
Despite his potential, Benfica feel the Burkina Faso international has failed to meet expectations. Club president Rui Costa is believed to have initiated talks with City to end the agreement early.
The report highlights that Benfica had no option to buy Kaboré at the end of the loan, signaling that this move was always seen as temporary. However, their decision to cut ties earlier than expected underscores the club’s dissatisfaction with his contributions so far this season.
This development comes as Manchester City assess the future of several young players ahead of the January transfer window. For example, James McAtee, who was retained by Pep Guardiola after two loan spells at Sheffield United, has struggled for minutes this season.
According to multiple sources, including The Athletic, clubs like West Ham United and Fulham are monitoring McAtee’s situation and could look to secure a loan deal to boost his game time.
As for Kaboré, if he returns to the Etihad in January, it remains to be seen whether Guardiola will reintegrate him or seek another loan move to aid his development. The defender’s situation reflects the challenges City face in managing their pool of rising talents as they balance development
