Real Valladolid has voiced its strong disapproval following reports that teenage prospect Juma Bah is set to join Manchester City, despite the absence of an official transfer agreement between the two clubs.
In a damning statement, Valladolid has accused City of facilitating an underhanded move to bring the Sierra Leonean defender to the Premier League club without paying the appropriate transfer fee. With tensions rising, Real Valladolid has also indicated its intent to pursue legal action in a bid to protect its interests.
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Manchester City’s Controversial Move for Juma Bah
Manchester City, under the ownership of the City Football Group, is reportedly finalizing the signing of Juma Bah, a teenage sensation who made an impression at Real Valladolid. However, Valladolid’s management claims that City is attempting to bypass the agreed-upon transfer process. Rather than negotiating a transfer fee, City allegedly advised Bah and his agent to terminate his youth contract, a move that could potentially evade a hefty transfer fee.
Spanish sources suggest that City and Valladolid were initially in talks regarding a deal worth around €8 million for Bah. In contrast, both Fenerbahce and Inter Milan had submitted offers of up to €12 million for the player. Valladolid, however, exercised a €165k buy clause with AIK Freetown, Bah’s parent club in Sierra Leone. Despite this, Bah remained under a youth contract, and City’s approach appears aimed at circumventing the required buyout clause by encouraging Bah to unilaterally terminate his contract, resulting in a €6 million penalty for the club.
Real Valladolid Issues a Strong Statement
Real Valladolid took to its official channels to express its outrage over Bah’s behavior and the role Manchester City allegedly played in it. According to the statement, Bah did not attend training on the day the news broke, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed that he had deposited the necessary amount to unilaterally terminate his contract with the Spanish side.
In the statement, Valladolid expressed its belief that Manchester City had encouraged Bah to pursue this course of action. The club conveyed its “disappointment and indignation” at the situation, stating that the decision to break the contract appeared to be motivated by City’s desire to sign Bah without paying the agreed-upon transfer fee.
Valladolid Questions the Timing of Bah’s Decision
Valladolid’s statement also highlighted the timing of Bah’s decision. It was revealed that the club had exercised its buy clause on January 1, ensuring Bah’s rights were secured for the long term. However, Bah allegedly refused to sign a senior contract, which would have triggered a significant increase in his release clause.
Had Bah committed to a senior deal, his release clause would have risen to €12 million for a B team contract, and €30 million if he had agreed to a full senior contract. Valladolid argues that this refusal to sign a professional contract, along with the sudden move to break his contract, suggests that Manchester City had been advising Bah to avoid signing a deal that would increase his release clause. This, Valladolid asserts, leaves the club in a vulnerable position.
Club Takes Legal Action Over Breach of Contract
The anger from Real Valladolid over the situation is evident, as they have announced their intention to seek legal recourse. The club made it clear that they hold Bah accountable for breaking his contract and are pursuing disciplinary action. Additionally, Valladolid’s legal team has been instructed to explore all avenues to protect the club’s financial and contractual rights in this matter.
The Spanish club emphasized that it had made significant investments in Bah’s development, providing him with the opportunity to play in Europe and grow within the club. Valladolid expressed that this move has caused considerable frustration, especially after rejecting higher financial offers for Bah’s services from other clubs.
What Lies Ahead for Juma Bah?
As the drama continues to unfold, all eyes are on the next steps in this conflict. Real Valladolid has made it clear that it is prepared to defend its interests both in legal and sporting terms. The club’s statement reflects the frustration and disappointment at seeing a young talent, whom they had invested in, seemingly lured away under questionable circumstances.
The situation has raised questions about the ethics of big clubs like Manchester City potentially influencing young players to break their contracts, especially when it could result in financial and legal ramifications for the smaller clubs involved.
For now, it remains to be seen how the dispute will play out, and whether Manchester City will face any repercussions from UEFA or other governing bodies. As for Juma Bah, the promising young defender’s future now seems uncertain, as legal battles loom large over his potential move to the Premier League.
FAQs
Why is Real Valladolid upset with Manchester City over Juma Bah’s move?
Real Valladolid accuses Manchester City of encouraging Juma Bah to unilaterally terminate his youth contract to avoid paying the agreed-upon transfer fee, leaving the Spanish club in a vulnerable position.
What was the agreed transfer fee for Juma Bah between Valladolid and Manchester City?
Manchester City reportedly negotiated a transfer fee of €8 million with Real Valladolid, although other clubs, like Fenerbahce and Inter Milan, had offered up to €12 million for Bah’s services.
Why did Juma Bah terminate his contract with Real Valladolid?
Juma Bah terminated his contract after allegedly being advised by Manchester City and his agent, as he refused to sign a senior contract that would have raised his release clause, thus making him more expensive.
What actions has Real Valladolid taken regarding Juma Bah’s contract breach?
Real Valladolid has expressed its disappointment and is pursuing legal and disciplinary action against both Juma Bah and Manchester City for breaching the terms of his contract.
What was the original contract clause for Juma Bah with Real Valladolid?
Valladolid exercised a €165k buy clause on January 1 to secure Juma Bah’s rights, but the player remained on a youth contract. Had he signed a senior deal, his release clause would have increased to €12 million or €30 million, depending on the contract.
