Manchester City set to add 12th club to the City Football Group portfolio

The City Football Group are closing in on the purchase of their 12th club.

In May, Manchester City lifted their sixth Premier League title, dramatically beating Aston Villa to retain their crown for a second time under the management of Pep Guardiola.

Since Sheikh Mansour and the Abu Dhabi United Group takeover in 2008, the Sky Blues have endured staggering success, culminating in the winning of 17 trophies.

As well as prolonged success at the Etihad Stadium with Manchester City, the City Football Group have continued to grow their portfolio across the world, with 11 clubs currently part of the CFG model, following its creation almost a decade ago, in 2013.

Success also stretches across the globe, with New York City FC having won the MLS cup in 2021 and Melbourne City winning back-to-back A-League Men’s Premierships.

Other CFG sides such as Mumbai City FC in India and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan have also lifted silverware in recent years.

Manchester City are now reportedly closing in on a 12th club, with the CFG set to takeover their third South American side.

The Daily Mail report that a deal for Brazilian club Bahia are at an 'advanced stage' with key meetings taking place this week to ratify an agreement.

Bahia would become the the CFG's third club in South America, following Montevideo City Torque and Club Bolivar.

The Brazilian side play in the countries second division, and are currently third in the Brasileiro Serie B.

The Salvador based club are two points off of second spot and have a game in hand.

A deal to takeover the Brazilian club would further strengthen the Blues' presence in South America, a continent with rich footballing talents.

This summer, Julian Alvarez completed a transfer from River Plate to the Etihad Stadium, after initially agreeing a deal in January.

The 22 year-old has featured on eight occasions for Pep Guardiola's side so far this season, scoring three goals, including one on debut.

Alvarez scored twice during his first Premier League start last month, as City thrashed Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium.

Sportsmail further reveal that the Bahia club President was present at the Etihad Stadium last season, for Manchester City's Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

Kevin De Bruyne scored the only goal of the game that night, as a fiery affair saw City take a slender advantage to the Spanish capital for the second-leg of their quarter-final.