Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has finally left the club to sign with Besiktas.
Besiktas announced the deal last night, with the Turkish transfer window still open.
The club’s statement read: “Welcome to Beşiktaş Eric Bailly Our club has reached an agreement with Manchester United for the final transfer of Ivorian defender Eric Bailly.
“We wish Eric Bailly, who we believe will provide important services to our club, great success with our glorious jersey, and present it to the public with our respect.”
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Eric Bailly exit details
Fabrizio Romano reports Eric Bailly has signed a permanent deal on a one-year contract.
This matches his previous agreement with Manchester United which was set to expire in 2024.
The deal is a free transfer, with Manchester United content to get his wages off the books, with Bailly keen to go and play.
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End of an era for Bailly
Eric Bailly was Jose Mourinho’s first signing for Manchester United in 2016, joining for £30 million from Villarreal.
The centre-back had a terrific first season, before he began to struggle with injuries, a problem which would define his spell at the club.
When he did manage to get fit, he could not win over manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, however, it was under the Norwegian that his contract extension was signed in 2021.
Bailly played in pre-season under Erik ten Hag in 2022 before joining Marseille on loan. Injuries and suspension deterred the French side form making that move permanent.
The Ivory Coast international was not invited back for 2023 pre-season under Erik ten Hag.
Although, you could wonder whether United could need him right now, with defensive injuries requiring the club to look to 35-year-old Jonny Evans to fill in.
However, that’s the path United have chosen, with Bailly not considered for selection this season.
He has now got his move, and a fresh start, and we wish him well for the future.