Everton transfers: Defender AWOL from training, club accuses breach of contract
Everton linked defender Juma Bah has been reported AWOL from training amid intense transfer speculation, Real Valladolid have confirmed.
The La Liga outfit announced the news in an official statement on Wednesday (22 January), claiming Bah’s representatives have informed the club of their intentions to “unilaterally” terminate his contract.
As per Alan Nixon (5 January), the Blues approached to sign the 18-year-old this month, as he wishes to return to parent club AIK Freetong to complete a switch to the Premier League.
The Toffees would need to sell a defender first, with Jake O’Brien garnering interest [The Telegraph] but, Manchester City are also exploring a deal, and the reigning English champions have been cited as the primary reason for Bah’s decision – Real Valladolid will hold the defender for breach of contract and begin disciplinary action.
Everton can push to sign Juma Bah
While the latest news out of Spain will encourage Everton to proceed with a deal to sign Bah, Kevin Thelwell will be wise to exercise caution.
Indeed, the Sierra Leone international has impressed at Valladolid, where the side is rooted to the bottom of the La Liga table, but his professionalism is seriously under question.
Although a move to Everton or Manchester City would be a significant step in his development, there are far better ways to engineer a move.
The Blues are monitoring the market for defensive recruits and have approached AC Milan for Emerson Royal [Matteo Moretto], the ex-Tottenham full-back would be a shrewd move and perhaps the smarter route to take, given the developments at Valladolid.
Furthermore, Serie A giants Inter Milan are in the race alongside Manchester City, so it is hard to envision guaranteed game time at Goodison Park would persuade Bah to reject the Champions League outfits.
Nevertheless, his actions are a blatant warning to Everton of how the player conducts himself, and for once, Thelwell should heed the warning staring him in the face.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have made an approach to sign a Champions League forward after his win against Aston Villa.
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