Newcastle United and Manchester City are both reportedly eyeing 18-year-old Sierra Leonean defender Juma Bah for the upcoming January transfer window, according to The Sun. The towering 6ft 5in centre-back, currently with La Liga side Real Valladolid, has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs following a breakout season in Spain.
Bah, who joined Valladolid on loan from AIK Freetong earlier this year, initially expected to feature for their B team, has since impressed in the first-team, playing a key role in their defense.
His standout achievement came in September when he became the first Sierra Leone-born player to feature in La Liga’s top division, making his debut against Real Sociedad.
His performances have been consistent, with six appearances to date, earning him significant interest from Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, Manchester City, Everton, and Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United, under manager Eddie Howe, are keen to strengthen their defense, while Manchester City is also reportedly exploring potential reinforcements to address their defensive fragility this season.
Despite his impressive potential, Bah would likely need to be offered substantial first-team guarantees to make the move to either club, given the competitive nature of the Premier League.
However, a transfer in January remains uncertain. Given Bah’s rapid development at Valladolid, he may choose to stay in Spain and continue honing his skills, rather than move to a Premier League club where immediate starting opportunities might be limited.
As the January window approaches, Bah’s future will remain a topic of much speculation, with top-flight clubs in England eagerly watching his progress.
Sources: The Sun, OneFootball, and various football news outlets
