Genoa set to sign Manchester City midfielder for €3 million after upturn in form

Manchester City youngster Olivier Ntcham almost left Genoa in January after being branded an underperformer and troublemaker by fans of the Serie A club.

Ntcham, who turned 21 in February and has been on loan at Genoa since August 2015, became more noted for his antics off the pitch than on it, being repeatedly fined by police for not having a driving licence.

He was expected to leave the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, with Bournemouth and RB Leipzig said to be keen on a talented, but inconsistent young midfielder.

The transfer window closed with Ntcham still at Genoa, and his fortunes changed when on 19 February, the Ligurian club replaced head coach Ivan Jurić with Andrea Mandorlini.

Since Mandorlini’s arrival, Longjumeau-born Ntcham has been like a new player, coming off the bench and scoring late goals in the last two games against Bologna and Empoli.

His upturn in form has led to a change of heart within Genoa’s corridors of power, and according to Il Secolo XIX, the club has decided to use an option to redeem Ntcham from Manchester City for €3 million (£2.6 million).

As is often the case with talented youngsters allowed to leave these days, City have included clauses in the deal to avoid a potential Paul Pogba-like situation. After Genoa formally sign Ntcham in the summer, City will have the option to buy him back over three years. In the first year, he would cost €7 million (£6 million), in the second €9 million (£7.8 million), and in the third year €11 million (£9.5 million).