Southampton hold transfer talks over signing Manchester City right-back | OneFootball

Manchester City could now be subject to transfer interest from Championship outfit Southampton this summer as they eye a move for one of Pep Guardiola’s defenders.

Kabore’s situation at the Etihad Stadium has been one of the many under review this summer, with Manchester City weighing up futures for a number of Pep Guardiola’s fringe and loaned-out players.

The 24-year-old has yet to establish himself in Guardiola’s first-team setup despite being acquired by the club in 2020 and spending much of his time on various loan spells across Europe.

With Guardiola continuing to reshape his existing Manchester City squad despite the new campaign now underway, Issa Kabore finds himself firmly in the shop window but with little clarity over whether he will remain an Etihad Stadium athlete beyond the summer market.

Manchester City have a track record of allowing talented youngsters and fringe squad members to pursue permanent careers elsewhere, while maintaining flexibility through clauses such as buy-backs and sell-ons.

Supports have already seen that strategy deployed this summer, with James McAtee – who left on a permanent move to Nottingham Forest – tied to both a sell-on and buy-back clause in favour of his now-former side.

Kabore’s case could be viewed similarly, with his profile long-expected to attract multiple clubs given his experiences in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Portugal’s premier division.

Now, according to the information of journalist Ben Jacobs, Manchester City’s right-back Kabore has held talks with Southampton as Etihad Stadium officials remain open to either a loan agreement for the 24-year-old or a permanent exit this summer.

Elsewhere in European football, it is claimed that Olympique Lyonnais are also interested in the Burkina Faso international, while German side Hamburg had also made an approach earlier in the ongoing window but are no longer an active suitor for the player.

Looking ahead, the decision could rest on whether City prefer to secure a permanent fee for Kabore now, or retain control via a loan arrangement. Southampton may favour a temporary move initially, but given City’s current approach with other unsettled squad members, an outright sale may be more appealing.

Lyon’s interest complicates matters, with the French side having shown an appetite for recruiting Premier League-calibre players on manageable terms, and their involvement could spark a tug-of-war if Southampton stall on striking a deal.

As the window progresses, Issa Kabore’s future looks increasingly likely to be resolved before the end of the month. Whether that comes through a Southampton switch, a move back to Ligue 1, or another surprise suitor entering the frame, the defender seems destined for another fresh start away from Manchester this summer.