Southampton have moved into position to sign Divin Mubama on loan from Manchester City, but the deal is not complete yet because City’s approval is still required. It is a significant step for the 21-year-old, who could be in line for another run of regular senior football in the Championship.
The report says Southampton and Manchester City have reached a verbal agreement, with the final decision now depending on internal approval at City. Until that is given, the move remains pending.
A useful next step for Divin Mubama
Mubama’s career path has already included a move away from West Ham United in 2024, after coming through the club’s academy before joining Manchester City. He then spent the 2025/26 campaign with Stoke City, where he made 26 league appearances and scored five goals before injury ended his season early.
That Stoke spell is the clearest reminder of why this loan would matter. Mubama has already shown he can contribute at senior level, and a move to Southampton would give him another chance to build rhythm and consistency at a club expected to compete towards the top end of the Championship.
City approval is still the key issue
Fabrizio Romano reported that Southampton have reached a verbal agreement to sign Mubama from Manchester City on loan, while also noting that the “green light” from City is still needed. In other words, the framework is there, but the final approval has not yet been secured.
Manchester City recently confirmed, ahead of their summer tour, that Mubama had recovered and was ready to return to action. That makes the timing of this move particularly logical, because the next stage of his development is likely to come through minutes, not just training ground availability.
If City do sanction the loan, Southampton will have added a young striker with recent Championship experience and a clear incentive to prove himself again. If they do not, the transfer simply stays in the waiting room for now.
