Manchester City Accused of Influencing Valladolid Star Juma Bah's Contract Termination

Real Valladolid has launched serious accusations against Manchester City, claiming the Premier League club encouraged 18-year-old defender Juma Bah to break his contract, paving the way for a significantly cheaper transfer deal. The Spanish club alleges City’s involvement has left them in a weakened position and vowed to explore legal and sporting actions to defend their interests.

The controversy began on Tuesday when Manchester City reportedly sent a formal request to Valladolid seeking to negotiate a transfer for Bah, who has been a standout player since joining the La Liga side last summer. Later that day, the Sierra Leonean defender, along with his agent, informed Valladolid of his intention to terminate his contract unilaterally.

By Wednesday morning, Bah failed to show up for training, and shortly after, the Spanish Football Federation confirmed that he had deposited the necessary funds to terminate his youth contract. Valladolid argues that Bah’s actions were orchestrated by Manchester City, suggesting the club and his agent guided the player’s decision in a move that undermined their previous agreements.

Youth Contract Exploitation

Bah initially joined Valladolid on loan from AIK Freetown in Sierra Leone last summer before the Spanish club activated a clause to make the transfer permanent earlier this month. However, the defender remained on a youth contract, which Valladolid claims Bah refused to upgrade to a senior deal—one that would have significantly raised his buyout clause from €6 million to as much as €30 million.

This contractual loophole allowed Bah to trigger a buyout at a lower cost, with reports indicating that Manchester City will likely reimburse the player for the termination fee. Valladolid has criticized this maneuver, asserting that they had previously rejected more lucrative offers for Bah, believing in his long-term potential with the club.

Club’s Statement and Disciplinary Action

In a strongly worded statement, Real Valladolid expressed “great disappointment and indignation,” accusing Manchester City of orchestrating a strategy to exploit Bah’s contractual situation. “The club believes that Manchester City is behind the player’s decision and appears to have advised him to adopt this path,” the statement read.

Valladolid has instructed its legal team to initiate disciplinary measures against Bah, stating that the defender’s actions have “breached contractual obligations” and undermined the trust placed in him. The club emphasized how they had “welcomed Juma Bah with open arms and provided him the opportunity of a lifetime,” only to face this contentious situation.

Implications for Manchester City

If Manchester City is found to have played an active role in influencing Bah’s decision, it could face scrutiny under FIFA’s regulations governing transfers and third-party influence. The incident has highlighted the growing tension between smaller clubs and financially dominant teams when it comes to player acquisitions.

As Valladolid explores its legal options, Bah is reportedly edging closer to completing his move to Manchester City. The 18-year-old has made 12 league appearances this season and was considered one of the brightest young prospects in La Liga.

The fallout from this case could serve as a precedent in future disputes involving player contracts and transfer dealings across Europe. For now, Valladolid remains firm in its resolve to defend its position against one of football’s most powerful clubs.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @abdulaijuma28