Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing Algerian forward Ibrahim Maza from Bayer Leverkusen. The club is also looking to strengthen its midfield and defense following player departures.
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Manchester City set sights on Algerian forward – Player ‘definitely watched on liked’
Hugo Viana and Manchester City could be on the verge of launching a transfer offensive to sign another of Algeria’s premier talents.
City’s storied relationship with Algerian talent has evolved from the magical playmaking of Ali Benarbia to the trophy-laden dominance of Riyad Mahrez, who departed the club in the summer of 2023 with a staggering 78 goals and 59 assists across competitions.
That legacy is now being carried forward by Rayan Aït-Nouri following a £31.2 million move from Wolves in the summer of 2025, freeing up for a move into midfield for a large chunk of the ongoing season and to great effect.
Ibrahim Maza is an Algerian forward from Bayer Leverkusen, and Manchester City is monitoring him as part of their transfer strategy.
Manchester City is prioritizing midfield reinforcements and also considering defensive players like Tino Livramento and Givairo Read.
Manchester City has a notable history with Algerian players, highlighted by the contributions of Ali Benarbia and Riyad Mahrez, who scored 78 goals during his time at the club.
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The club’s affinity for Algeria seemingly remains a core pillar of their scouting network, with the Blues now keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen’s 20-year-old sensation Ibrahim Maza ahead of the upcoming 2026 summer window.
In light of recent reports from Germany, Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News confirms that Levekusen’s Maza is ‘definitely a player that Manchester City have watched and like’.
However, it is stressed that the list that the forward is placed on is ‘not short’, and given that Manchester City have other priorities for the upcoming summer window, they would ‘see what they need and want’ after focussing on the main areas of concern first.
Looking towards the summer market, Hugo Viana is expected to oversee an engine room refresh and defensive reinforcement as City prepare for their second full summer window under his leadership.
The primary objective is expected to be an attempt to offset the now-confirmed departure of club captain Bernardo Silva, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson emerging as the frontrunner following his work at the City Ground.
And despite the success of Matheus Nunes in the position, right-back is also expected to come into focus, with the club linked with the likes of Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento and Feyenoord’s Givairo Read.
Youth recruitment also remains a focus for those at the club, with reports in France suggesting that a City Football Group-led strategy to secure Troyes starlet Mathys Detourbet is well underway and close to completion.
Hugo Viana’s strategy at Manchester City since his arrival at the club in July 2025 is clearly defined by a blend of proven quality and elite youth prospects, ensuring Pep Guardiola’s squad remains future-proofed against the exits of several long-serving veterans.
Manchester City Transfer Tracker: Live Updates on Signings, Contracts and Loans