Ligue 1 giants working on a loan-to-buy deal for Manchester City right-back

Plenty of Manchester City’s most prodigious youngsters have decided to challenge themselves by heading out on loan this summer.

James McAtee sits at the top of this list, as he has joined Sheffield United on a season-long loan.

While the ‘Salford Silva’ looked set for first-team minutes at City in the 2022/23 campaign, fierce competition in midfield meant a temporary switch to Bramall Lane could guarantee the talent some well-deserved playing time.

Similarly, Tommy Doyle has also joined the Championship side after a successful stint at Cardiff City during the second half of last term.

The likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Yan Couto are two other prodigies that are now playing their trades at Burnley and Girona respectively next season, coming off the back of superb loan spells respectively.

One young player who should already have been a part of the Sky Blues’ list of young loanees is none other Issa Kabore.

Considering the fact that the 21-year-old was one of Ligue 1’s standout right-backs for Troyes during the previous campaign, it would be a shame to see his time out on the pitch experience a significant dip at the Etihad Stadium.

Issa Kabore in Troyes action (Independent Photo Agency / Alamy)

After all, Guardiola’s side potentially have two of Europe’s most complete right-backs in Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo within their ranks.

The starlet proved his mettle at international level for Burkina Faso as well, being recognised as the Best Young Player at the 2021 African Cup of Nations.

However, it seems as if a new club are finally willing to bank on the highly-rated defender’s talents, after an arduous wait around his plans for next season.

As per the latest information provided by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Marseille are working to sign Issa Kabore on a season-long loan.

Additionally, he says it remains unknown whether a buy option will be included in the deal for the prodigy so far.

According to a report by local newspaper La Provence, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, it is also mentioned that the French giants have made the Burkinabe international their priority addition to bolster the right-back position, as Pol Lirola looks set to leave the club.

Issa Kabore in action in Belgium.

Further details claim that talks between both clubs are progressing positively, to the extent that the deal could be finalised by this weekend.

That was further confirmed be Le Equipe, who say they are working on a loan-to-buy deal - instead of a straight loan.

It has been stated that the move for Kabore will only transpire after Lirola’s sale is sanctioned by the club.

Finishing only second behind Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last term, the move could be a major step-up for the youngster, who was ultimately the bright spark at 15th placed Troyes.

With the chance of playing his football for a team set to compete for the league title in France as well as partake in the Champions League next season, a switch could do wonders for Issa Kabore’s development.