Manchester City: Real Valladolid accuse club of encouraging player to break contract
Real Valladolid have accused Manchester City of encouraging one of their players to break his contract to force a move to a Premier League club.
Defender Juma Ba told the Spanish club on Tuesday that he intends to terminate his contract, allowing Manchester City to sign the player for a much lower fee.
City sent a request to Valladolid earlier in the day to start negotiations on a permanent contract for the 18-year-old, Valladolid said in a statement.
Bach subsequently did not attend training on Wednesday and the Spanish Football Federation confirmed he had deposited the amount required to terminate his contract.
Valladolid said the teenager’s decision was “said to have been supported and guided by Manchester City and his agent” and had “caused great disappointment and outrage”.
“The club believes City support the player’s decision and appear to have advised the player to take this route.”
The 18-year-old joined Valladolid on a season-long loan from AIK Freetong in his native Sierra Leone last summer, with the club exercising a clause earlier this month to convert him to a permanent deal.
But Bach is still on a youth contract and has so far refused to sign a senior deal that would have significantly increased his release clause.
Valladolid said they will take disciplinary action against Bar and will do everything they can to “defend” the club’s interests.
BBC Sport has contacted Manchester City for comment.
