Premier League: Man City face claims of encouraging contract breach by La Liga side

This announcement came shortly after Manchester City had reportedly requested to initiate negotiations for a permanent transfer of the player, according to Valladolid’s official statement. Valladolid allege that City, along with Bah’s agent, played a significant role in influencing the player’s decision. In their statement, the Spanish side expressed “great disappointment and indignation,” asserting that Bah’s choice to end his contract was “supposedly supported and guided by Manchester City.”

🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Real Valladolid have now released a statement regarding #ManCity target Juma Bah, here’s the summary:

• He’s unilaterally ended his deal.
• Club accuses City of advising him.
• He’s missed today’s training.
• Valladolid plans legal action.
• They feel betrayed. pic.twitter.com/tHqxbka4Zy

— City HQ (@City_HQs) January 22, 2025

On Wednesday, Bah failed to attend training, which further escalated the tensions between the parties. The Spanish Football Association confirmed that the player had deposited the required amount to terminate his contract, effectively making him a free agent. This action means Manchester City could sign Bah for a much lower fee than Valladolid had anticipated and could even get the player without paying the club any money.

The situation is particularly contentious because Valladolid had recently exercised an option to make Bah’s loan deal from Sierra Leonean club AIK Freetong permanent. Despite this, the young defender remained under a youth contract and had not yet signed a senior agreement. A professional contract would have increased his release clause substantially, securing greater financial protection for Valladolid.

Bah’s move to Manchester City in trouble now

🚨🔵 Exclusive story from last night, set to be confirmed: Juma Bah will become new Manchester City player.

The plan is to loan the 18 year old centre back to RC Lens, verbal agreement done as revealed.

City anticipate Inter and Fenerbahçe as they’ve agreed terms with Bah. ✅🇸🇱 pic.twitter.com/tbWchHLJUt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2025

Valladolid has strongly condemned the actions of both Bah and Manchester City. “The club considers that Manchester City is behind the player’s decision, and appears to have advised the player to take this route,” their statement read. The club has vowed to pursue disciplinary measures against Bah and take all necessary actions to defend its interests. Juma Bah, who joined Valladolid on loan last summer, has quickly made a name for himself with his impressive performances.

However, the current controversy casts a shadow over his potential move to one of the world’s most high-profile clubs. Manchester City has yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations. The case raises broader questions about player rights, transfer ethics, and the influence of powerful clubs in the global football ecosystem. As the situation unfolds, Valladolid’s commitment to safeguarding its position could set the stage for another legal battle for Manchester City to be involved in.

Bah’s move to Manchester City not working out might hamper French side RC Lens as well. Manchester City recently bought highly rated Uzbeki defender Abdukodir Khusanov from the French club and the relationship between the two clubs were said to have strengthened during these negotiations. It was reported that City would sign Bah from Valladolid and loan him out to Lens to help them recover from the loss of Khusanov but that has also come under doubt now.