David Sangma
After some speculation it has been officially announced that Manchester United has signed Eric Bailly from Villareal CF. The transfer was announced today on the website and the MUTV.
Eric Bailly is 22 years old and has made 47 appearances for Villareal. He joined the club in 2015 January from Espanyol. The deal means that the player is the first signing for Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese has taken charge of the Old Trafford unit. The contract is for four years with an option to add two more years and while the official announcement did not mention the transfer fee, it is assumed to be approximately £25 million.
Bailly said:
“It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.
“I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life.”
Mourinho said:
“Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.
“We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development.”
Eric Bailly is a central defender and given that Louis Van Gaal failed to find a proper partner for Chris Smalling, it will be interesting to see how the pair can function together. Bailly has also managed 15 caps for Ivory Coast and has been part of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nation.
