Manchester City are set to offload forgotten youngsters Juma Bah and Claudio Echeverri on transfer deadline day as Enzo Maresca continues his ruthless squad overhaul. The prospective departures follow Jack Grealish's loan switch to Everton, with the Blues trimming their fringe options while pursuing high-profile swoops in the final hours of the window.
Bah is set to join Bundesliga outfit Augsburg on an initial loan deal that includes an option to make the move permanent next summer for £18.5 million. The 20-year-old Sierra Leone international spent the previous two campaigns on loan in France with Lens and Nice. Signed from Real Valladolid for £7 million in 2025, the centre-back remains under contract in Manchester until 2031.
Benfica lead playmaker chase
Portuguese giants Benfica are leading the race to sign Echeverri on an initial loan agreement containing a purchase option. The 20-year-old Argentine caught the eye at the Club World Cup, but his development stalled during difficult loan spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Girona. Under contract until 2028, the playmaker has made just three senior appearances since arriving from River Plate.
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Alongside offloading fringe options, City are working against the clock to complete a club-record swoop for Enzo Fernandez and seal Ndiaye's arrival. The aggressive deadline-day activity represents a pivotal opportunity for Maresca to finalise his squad before the international break. Securing ideal squad depth remains imperative if City are to sustain a fierce challenge on both domestic and European fronts.