Manchester City is facing a new transfer controversy as Spanish club Real Valladolid accuses the English Premier League champions of attempting to unlawfully acquire one of their young players.
The club has alleged that 18-year-old defender Juma Bah breached his contract, claiming that Manchester City is influencing the situation.
Bah, born in Sierra Leone, and his agent informed Valladolid on Tuesday of their intention to unilaterally terminate his contract. The following day, he missed training and subsequently declared his release clause with the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
In response, Real Valladolid issued a statement accusing Manchester City of orchestrating the player's actions and expressed their readiness to pursue legal action. "The club holds the player responsible for the breach of his contractual commitments and has asked its legal department to initiate disciplinary action," the statement read, adding that City seems to have advised the player to take this route.
Juma Bah has made twelve first-team appearances for Valladolid since joining on loan from AIK Freetong, with the move becoming permanent on January 1. Although he remains registered with the youth team, he has refrained from joining the senior squad to avoid increasing the cost of his release clause.
Real Valladolid's statement expressed disappointment and indignation over the situation, noting that they provided Bah with significant opportunities. They confirmed that the player has deposited the necessary amount for unilateral contract termination and stated that they reserve the right to pursue legal and sporting avenues to protect their interests.
Several clubs, including Manchester City and Inter Milan, have reportedly shown interest in Juma during the current transfer window. As the parent company, City Football Group may facilitate Bah's career progression at one of its other clubs or potentially loan him out.
Manchester City has been active in the transfer market, having signed Uzbek Abdukodir Khusanov and Brazilian youth international Vitor Reis to strengthen their defensive lineup. The team is currently fifth in the Premier League and is at risk of exiting the Champions League in the group stage.
Off the field, Manchester City awaits a verdict regarding alleged breaches of Premier League financial fair play rules, with a trial that concluded in December. Additionally, they are involved in a separate legal dispute regarding related party transaction rules.
As of now, Manchester City has not responded to media inquiries concerning the Juma Bah issue.
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