Man City may face further legal challenges following accusations from Spanish club Real Valladolid over their handling of the transfer of 18-year-old defender Juma Bah.
The Sierra Leonean talent, who has been a standout artist in Valladolid, is at the center of a controversy that could further embroil the city in legal ramifications.
The real Valladolid accuses Manchester City of “Tapping Up” youngster
Valladolid claim Man City influenced BAH’s decision to trigger his €6m release clause, a move they claim breaches transfer regulations.
As reported by The telegramthe Spanish club accuses the city of “bashing” BAH – a practice that involves approaching a player without the consent of his current club. Valladolid contends that the city’s alleged interference caused BAH to leave prematurely, thereby causing a legal headache.
Bah, who joined Valladolid in August 2024 on loan from Freetonians Slifa, initially featured in the Reserve team but quickly earned a spot in the first team.
The Sierra Leonean made history in September 2024 by becoming the first player from his country to feature in La Liga. Since then, Bah has established himself as an important figure for Valladolid, making 13 appearances in all competitions.
However, tensions surrounding his contract rose when BAH refused an offer to renew his deal, which would have increased his release clause. On 21 January, Bah and his agent announced his departure after the release clause was triggered, leading Valladolid to claim that Man City had orchestrated the move.
Manchester City are no strangers to controversy and legal issues. Manchester City is currently embroiled in a major case accused of breaking multiple financial regulations. They are alleged to have falsified financial information for every season from 2009-10 to 2017-18. A verdict in the ongoing case is expected in the coming months, with possible severe punishmentsincluding fines, removal of marks or even removal of previous titles if allegations are sustained.
Apart from that, City recently took legal action against the Premier League Above the trading rules of their trades, they emerge victorious in the court challenge.
While Manchester City continue to battle legal problems behind the scenes, their performances on the pitch have also taken a downturn this season.
The Premier League champions are in an unexpected position, sitting in the league on 38 points, already six points behind second-placed Arsenal and third-placed Nottingham Forest, both of whom sit on 44 points and 12 points behind 1st place Liverpool who have a game in hand. City have already suffered six defeats this season, a stark contrast to their usual dominance.
Their struggles in the Premier League are mirrored in the Champions League, where they are on the brink of elimination from the league scene. A 4-2 defeat at PSG has left Pep Guardiola’s side with everything to do in their final match against Club Brugge to secure a place in the play-offs.
Man City’s upcoming clash with Chelsea
City’s next challenge comes this weekend when they face Chelsea in a crucial Premier League encounter. Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have been decent enough, sitting in 4th just two points ahead of City. However, the Blues’ recent form has been mixed, with two losses, two draws and one win in their last five games.
Despite their respective struggles, the match is expected to be an exciting encounter. Maresca will return to the Etihad to face former mentor Pep Guardiola, with both teams desperately fighting for a top-flight finish. For those willing to attend, info How to buy Manchester City vs Chelsea tickets are available here.
With legal challenges mounting and their on-field performance lacking, City are in quite the crisis, both on and off the pitch.
2025-01-24 03:44:00
