George Baker
Eric Bailly believes latest Manchester United contract is only to increase his transfer value
According to Sky Sports (h/t Daily Mail), Eric Bailly could be set to snub the latest contract extension from Manchester United. While the player does want to remain at the club, he feels that the new contract would only mean the club getting a higher transfer fee for a potential sale.
Eric Bailly came with a lot of promise and even showed glimpses of it. However, the fact that he played his 100th game earlier this month should tell you how it has panned out in the last 5 seasons. The Ivorian has been riddled with injuries and hasn’t featured on a regular basis.
It has been frustrating in the sense that Bailly is probably United’s best defender to partner Maguire, given their styles complement each other. However, he has barely had a run of games in the side, meaning Victor Lindelof is the second choice.
A one-year extension is in the works for Bailly but the belief is that the player feels disrespected after he was snubbed repeatedly this year despite being fit. His exclusion for the second-leg Europa League clash against AC Milan is said to have had a huge impact on his decision.
Bailly feels that he will never be the first choice for Solskjaer. He is unwilling to commit to that and there is the feeling that the new contract could just be a way to jack up his transfer fee for a potential sale in the summer.
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To be fair, Bailly’s viewpoint isn’t entirely wrong but the fact remains that he is way too injury-prone for the highest level. He has not played a consistent run of games this season and not because he is regarded as the second choice.
His all-action aggressive approach to defending is a huge risk factor. Even though he might be United’s best option when fit, cutting the losses in the summer may not be a bad idea if an adequate replacement is signed.
