Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza sets condition amid Manchester City interest

Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza is leaning towards remaining at Bayer Leverkusen despite growing interest from Manchester City, with his final decision expected to depend on the club’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.

The 20-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents following a standout debut season in Germany, where he has quickly established himself in a side competing at the highest level.

His rapid development has drawn attention across the continent, including from City manager Pep Guardiola.

Maza notably impressed during Leverkusen’s 2-0 Champions League encounter at the Etihad Stadium, where his performance included an assist.

That display intensified speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League champions, with several leading European clubs now monitoring his situation.

Interest is not limited to Manchester City. Arsenal and Atlético de Madrid are also reported to be among a group of top sides tracking the Algerian international.

However, according to La Gazette du Fennec, there are currently no active negotiations regarding a transfer.

The player’s camp is said to favour continuity at this stage of his career, prioritising stability after his breakthrough campaign.

Remaining at Leverkusen is considered the preferred option, but that stance is tied to one key condition — participation in next season’s Champions League.

Leverkusen’s position in the Bundesliga leaves that objective uncertain. The club currently sits sixth with four matches remaining, outside the automatic qualification places for Europe’s top competition.

There remains a possible route through a fifth-place finish, which could offer access to the Champions League play-offs, particularly if Bayern Munich, who recently knocked Leverkusen out of the domestic cup, go on to win the competition.

Should Leverkusen fail to secure a place in the Champions League, Maza’s position could shift, with both the player and the club potentially more open to offers.

Manchester City are understood to be closely monitoring developments, especially as they prepare for the departure of Bernardo Silva this summer.

Reports suggest that a bid in the region of 40 to 50 million euros could be sufficient to test Leverkusen’s resolve, leaving Maza’s future closely tied to the outcome of the current campaign.