Manchester City are embroiled in a new transfer controversy with Spanish club Real Valladolid accusing the reigning English Premier League champions of trying to unfairly pinch one of their young stars.
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Teenage defender Juma Bah has been accused of breaching his contract by Real Valladolid, and they believe City are behind the saga.
The 18-year-old, who was born in Sierra Leone, and his agent told the club on Tuesday that they intended to unilaterally break the contract between player and club.
The following day, Juma did not attend at training and he subsequently lodged his release clause with the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Real Valladolid then released a scathing statement which alleged that City had attempted to screw them over, and said they were willing to take 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 club statement said.
“The club considers that Manchester City, belonging to the City Football Group (CFG), is behind the decision. It seems they have advised the player to take this route, which leaves Valladolid defenceless.”
Juma has made a dozen first team appearances for the La Liga side after initially joining them on loan from AIK Freetong in Sierra Leone.
Real Valladolid then made the move permanent on January 1.
He remains registered with their youth team, but refused to be registered with the senior side as that would have pushed up the price of his release clause.
“The player’s intention, allegedly supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent, has caused great disappointment and indignation within Real Valladolid, who welcomed Juma with open arms and gave him the opportunity of a lifetime,” the statement added.
“The RFEF has confirmed that the player has deposited the necessary amount for the unilateral termination of the contract.
“In this regard, Real Valladolid informs that it reserves the right to take the appropriate legal and sporting jurisdictions to exercise its rights and defend its interests.”
City, as well as Inter Milan, are among several teams who reportedly showed interest in Juma during the current January transfer window.
City Football Group is the parent company for Manchester City and owns many other clubs around the world, and Juma could continue his career at any of those clubs, or be sent out on loan.
Pep Guardiola’s side have been active so far in the transfer period, signing Uzbek Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens and Brazilian youth international Vitor Reis from Palmeiras to bolster their defensive stocks.
They have struggled to cover injuries, and their form has dropped away, as City sit fifth in the Premier League and are facing a league phase exit from the Champions League with one matchday remaining.
Off the pitch, they are also awaiting the outcome of the hearing into the 115 breaches of Premier League financial fair play rules they have been accused of.
That trial began in September and wrapped up in December, but the verdict will be announced later this year.
City have not responded to several media requests for comment on the Juma matter.
