Man City could be facing fresh legal challenges following allegations from Spanish club Real Valladolid over their handling of the transfer of 18-year-old defender Juma Bah.

The Sierra Leonean talent, who has impressed for Valladolid, is at the centre of a dispute that could see City embroiled in further legal action.

Real Valladolid are accusing Manchester City of "tapping up" the youngster, with Valladolid claiming that Manchester City influenced Bah's decision to activate his €6 million release clause, a move they claim is in breach of transfer regulations.

According to The Telegraph, the Spanish club are accusing City of "tapping up" Bah - a practice that involves approaching a player without the consent of his current club. Valladolid claim that City's alleged interference caused Bah to leave prematurely, leaving them with a legal headache.

Bah, who joined Valladolid on loan from Freetonians SLIFA in August 2024, started out in the reserves but quickly earned a place in the first team.

The Sierra Leonean made history in September 2024 when he became the first player from his country to appear in La Liga. Since then, Bah has established himself as a key figure for Valladolid, making 13 appearances in all competitions.

However, tensions over his contract grew when Bah reportedly turned down an offer to extend his contract, which would have increased his release clause. On 21 January, Bah and his agent announced his departure after triggering the clause, leading Valladolid to accuse Man City of orchestrating the move.

Manchester City are no strangers to controversy and legal issues. Manchester City are currently embroiled in a major case after being accused of breaching a number of financial regulations. They are alleged to have misrepresented financial information for every season from 2009-10 to 2017-18.

A verdict in the ongoing case is expected in the coming months, with potentially severe punishments looming, including fines, points deductions or even the stripping of previous titles if the allegations are upheld.

In addition, City recently took legal action against the Premier League over its rules on related party transactions, emerging victorious in the court challenge.