A young striker who impressed in Asia may leave Manchester City on loan for next season

A young striker who impressed in Asia may leave Manchester City on loan for next season Divin Mubama was quite impressive in Manchester City’s friendlies against Inter Milan, the K-League All-Stars and Atletico Madrid. Mubama scored two goals and added an assist in three appearances. The young striker started the first two games for Manchester City in Asia before coming off the bench in City’s 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid yesterday . It was revealed late last night that Southampton had reached a verbal agreement with City to take Divin Mubama on loan for the 2026-27 season. While a loan move for Mubama would offer him the opportunity to play regularly, you wonder if there is a chance he could stay if Omar Marmoush were to seek a summer transfer. Southampton have an agreement with Manchester City to sign Divin Mubama on loan, but City haven’t given the go-ahead for the move. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Southampton have reached a verbal agreement to Divin Mubama on loan for the 2026-27 season. Furthermore, Romano reports that Manchester City have yet to give their approval for the move. It is also reported that City are still having internal discussions over what the next step is for Divin Mubama. Could Divin Mubama’s loan move be dependent on what happens with Omar Marmoush? Enzo Maresca revealed yesterday that there is a chance that Omar Marmoush could decide to leave Manchester City this summer. Maresca shared that it is up to Marmoush to decide if he wants to remain at City for next season. If the Egyptian international was to seek regular minutes elsewhere, City would need to find a player who could be a backup for Erling Haaland. Divin Mubama could be the player to take up that particular role. Divin Mubama is a proper striker who does have a good instinct in front of goal. Both of his goals came from being in the right place at the right time. That trait is invaluable. Mubama could step into Erling Haaland’s role if required throughout next season. Mubama isn’t Haaland, no player is or can be. However, he could play up front when required if Haaland needed a rest. Mubama can play as a target man so to speak and he does understand the Manchester City system. If Mubama were to leave City, perhaps Enzo Maresca would like to keep him in his squad. Southampton are eager to complete the loan signing of Divin Mubama. As Fabrizio Romano has reported, Manchester City haven’t yet given the green light for the move to proceed. It would seem likely that they will. But, if Omar Marmoush did seek more opportunities elsewhere, perhaps City could see a role for Mubama in their squad. That wouldn’t be the ‘sexy’ option but Mubama may be the safe one for Manchester City if they do need a backup striker.