Manchester City Signed 12 G/A German-Born African Star – Fans Erupt with Joy
Manchester City are reportedly setting their sights on teenage sensation Ibrahim Maza as a potential summer signing, with the 19-year-old German-born Algerian international emerging as a possible long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne. According to a report from German outlet BILD, the Premier League champions have identified Maza as one of the brightest young playmakers in Europe and are exploring a deal ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
As City brace themselves for the potential departure of midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne, who has been a talismanic figure at the Etihad for nearly a decade, the club is actively searching for fresh creative talent to bolster their ranks. Maza, currently plying his trade at Hertha BSC in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, has impressed scouts with his technical ability, vision, and attacking contributions — attributes that have sparked serious interest from the reigning English champions.
A Rising Star in Germany
Born in Berlin, Ibrahim Maza began his football journey with Reinickendorfer Füchse before making the switch to Hertha BSC, where he has flourished through the youth ranks and broken into the first team. Despite Hertha’s relegation to the second tier, Maza has managed to shine this season, notching five goals and seven assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. His performances have not gone unnoticed, as several top clubs across Europe, including Atlético Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, have joined Manchester City in monitoring the attacking midfielder’s progress.
Maza’s dual eligibility for Germany and Algeria adds further intrigue to his profile, but he has already declared his international allegiance to Algeria. His dynamic style of play and ability to influence games in the final third have made him one of the standout young prospects in German football.
City’s De Bruyne Replacement?
The interest from Manchester City comes at a time when the club is preparing for a major transition in midfield. With De Bruyne reportedly weighing up his options for a move abroad — possibly to Saudi Arabia or MLS — the club is keen to secure a young, high-upside talent who can grow into a central role in Pep Guardiola’s evolving system.
While few players can truly replace De Bruyne’s world-class influence, City see Maza as a long-term project who could eventually assume the creative responsibilities in the midfield. His €10 million price tag, as set by Hertha BSC, makes him an affordable option for a club of City’s financial power. However, the path to securing his signature won’t be straightforward.
Competition Heats Up
Despite Manchester City’s interest, they face stiff competition from Bayer Leverkusen, who are currently believed to be leading the race for Maza’s signature. The Bundesliga high-flyers are pushing to beat other suitors to the punch, with Atlético Madrid also reportedly in the mix. Leverkusen’s ability to offer first-team football in a top-tier league and their reputation for developing young talent could give them an edge in convincing the youngster to remain in Germany.
Nonetheless, a move to the Premier League, particularly to a club of Manchester City’s stature, could prove tempting for Maza. The opportunity to work under Guardiola and potentially inherit De Bruyne’s role might be a once-in-a-lifetime offer.
As the summer transfer window approaches, the battle for Ibrahim Maza is likely to intensify. Manchester City may need to act quickly and decisively if they wish to leapfrog Bayer Leverkusen and secure one of Germany’s most exciting young playmakers for the next generation of their midfield.
