Man City threatened with legal action after allegedly 'encouraging transfer target to break contract'
WATCH NOW: Paul Coyte discusses the latest sport headlines January 22 2025
Real Valladolid have accused Manchester City of encouraging 18-year-old defender Juma Bah to break his contract after the player failed to attend training and deposited money to terminate his deal.
The Spanish club claim City requested transfer negotiations on Tuesday before Bah informed them of his intention to unilaterally break his contract.
Valladolid say they have been left in a "defenceless position" and are threatening legal action over the Premier League champions' alleged involvement in the situation.
The situation unfolded when Manchester City sent a request to Valladolid on Tuesday afternoon seeking to open negotiations for a permanent transfer.
Juma Bah did not turn up to training on Wednesday after telling the Real Valladolid he wants to leave
Later that same day, Bah and his agent informed Valladolid of their intention to terminate the player's contract.
The Sierra Leonean defender then failed to report for Wednesday morning training.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation has since confirmed that Bah has deposited the required funds to trigger the unilateral termination of his contract.
Bah had initially joined Valladolid last summer on loan from Sierra Leone club AIK Freetown.
The Spanish club exercised their purchase option on January 1 to make the move permanent with an improved contract.
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The 18-year-old remains on a youth contract and has reportedly refused to sign a senior deal that would have significantly increased his release clause.
Valladolid claim they had recently rejected higher financial offers for the defender, who has made 12 league appearances this season.
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Reuters
In a strongly-worded statement, Valladolid said: "The club considers that Manchester City is behind the player's decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route."
The Spanish club expressed "great disappointment and indignation" over the situation, stating they had "welcomed Juma Bah with open arms and gave him the opportunity of a lifetime."
Valladolid confirmed they have instructed their legal department to initiate disciplinary action.
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