Revealed: Man City ready summer move to sign Bundesliga star they've watched 'up close and personal'
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Credit: Imago Ibrahim Maza: Man City plot Bayer Leverkusen deal after watching him ‘up close and personal’ Fri 17 April 2026 12:15, UK Ibrahim Maza is on Manchester City‘s radar ahead of the summer transfer window as he impresses in his debut season at Bayer Leverkusen.City were interested in versatile midfielder Maza last summer, but he instead made the move to Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin for a fee of around £10.5million.The 20-year-old has featured regularly throughout his debut season at the BayArena, with five goals and assists each in 38 appearances across all competitions so far.As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, City remain interested in Maza and could make another move to sign him this summer.Man City’s plans to sign Maza could accelerate after news of Bernardo Silva’s impending exit went public earlier this week. 🔄 Man City Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, elite targets, and contract news from the City Football Group boardroom. VISIT THE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Man City weighing up Ibrahim Maza move for second successive summerRecent reports have claimed that other Premier League clubs are also interested in Maza, but he seems most likely to end up at the Etihad Stadium this summer due to City’s existing interest.He has also impressed on the international stage this season, with two goals and an assist at the Africa Cup of Nations for Algeria in December, and Pep Guardiola could give the green light to a move in the coming months.Appearances23Minutes1436′Goals3Assists3Chances created (Big chances)22 (8)Successful pass %85.3%Successful dribbles37Duels won per 906.58Maza’s 2025-26 Bundesliga statsSpeaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “(Maza) is a player that’s been on the radar for a while now.
“They did look at him last summer before he ended up moving to Bayer Leverkusen from Hertha Berlin, and I’m sure they’ve continued to keep tabs on his progress at Leverkusen.“They saw him up close and personal when he played against City in the Champions League earlier this season. He set up a goal for Patrik Shick in their shock win at the Etihad.“They’re well aware of Maza, who has had a really good season for Bayer Leverkusen.”Tijjani Reijnders among three senior stars who could leave Man City Changes are afoot in midfield for Guardiola’s side as Silva prepares to depart and Rodri is linked with a move to Real Madrid.Sources have exclusively told Football Insider that Reijnders could leave Man City this summer alongside the likes of Savinho and Omar Marmoush.The Netherlands midfielder started the season strongly after his big-money move from AC Milan, but has failed to nail down a place in Guardiola’s midfield over the last few months.He could be moved on as City look to cut their losses, with Maza being a potential replacement, as they both play in similar positions.
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