Issa Kaboré is Benfica's, but only on loan: City refuses to buy option

Background

Issa Kaboré, a 21-year-old Burkina Faso international, joined Manchester City from Mechelen in the summer of 2020.

He spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Troyes in Ligue 1, where he made 31 appearances and scored one goal.

Kaboré returned to Manchester City for pre-season in the summer of 2021, but he was quickly loaned out to Benfica.

Benfica were impressed with Kaboré's performances for Troyes and saw him as a potential replacement for the departing Gilberto.

The Portuguese club negotiated a loan deal with Manchester City, with an option to buy for €20 million.

Kaboré has made 17 appearances for Benfica in all competitions this season, and he has impressed with his performances.

Manchester City have reportedly decided to refuse Benfica's option to buy Kaboré.

The Premier League champions believe that Kaboré has the potential to be a first-team player at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Kaboré's versatility and his ability to play in a number of positions.

Kaboré will now return to Manchester City at the end of the season.

He will then have the opportunity to impress Guardiola in pre-season and stake his claim for a place in the first team.

If Kaboré can continue to impress, he could become a valuable asset for Manchester City in the years to come.

Issa Kaboré is a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him.

His performances for Benfica have shown that he has the potential to be a first-team player at a top club.

Manchester City's decision to refuse Benfica's option to buy is a sign of their belief in Kaboré's ability.