Manchester City have identified Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ibrahim Maza as their primary target to offset the departure of Bernardo Silva this summer, with reports claiming the club have already made an initial bid of €50 million for the 20-year-old Algerian that was rejected by the Bundesliga club.
Maza has been one of the standout performers in the Bundesliga this season, contributing five goals and six assists across 38 appearances for Leverkusen. The Algerian, who joined from Hertha Berlin for just €12 million last summer, has attracted attention from clubs across Europe, but City's sporting director Hugo Viana has reportedly made him a top priority as the club prepares for life after Silva.
City ready to increase their offer
Having seen their opening bid turned down, City are understood to be preparing a revised package worth €65 million plus a sell-on clause — a total that would represent a remarkable return on Leverkusen's initial investment in the player. Leverkusen are holding firm and showing no urgency to sell, but the scale of City's interest suggests Viana views Maza as a long-term cornerstone of the squad rebuild.
Maza's representatives are the CAA Stellar agency, who also manage City players Rayan Ait-Nouri and Omar Marmoush — a connection that could help facilitate negotiations if both clubs reach an agreement in principle.
City face a significant summer of reconstruction regardless of the title race outcome. Beyond Silva's departure, the future of Rodri remains unresolved, John Stones is also understood to be leaving, and the club's ongoing links with Elliot Anderson suggest Viana is planning a wholesale midfield overhaul. Maza, as a versatile, dynamic forward-thinking midfielder, fits the profile City have consistently targeted under Guardiola.
