Pranav Kannan
Transfer News: Jose Mourinho really keen on signing Eric Bailly
According to the Athletic (Subscription Required), former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is keen on signing Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly from Manchester United this summer. AC Milan are also said to be interested in the defender.
Eric Bailly’s time at Man United has been one to forget. Except for a few flashes of his true potential, the Ivory Coast man has cut a sorry figure for most of his time at Old Trafford, often missing out due to injuries.
A talented defender during his time at Villarreal, Bailly was signed with the expectation of him being a key defender for the Red Devils. However, it is safe to say that the 28-year-old has never had such a role here.
One of the main reasons why Bailly’s time at Old Trafford has been so miserable is his frequent injury trouble. The talented centre-back has never had an injury-free season at Man United and has never managed to get into a proper rhythm.
Manchester United recently signed Lisandro Martinez from Ajax and the talented Argentinian is expected to become a mainstay in the Red Devils’ defence. He is likely to be partnered with Raphael Varane or Harry Maguire.
With Victor Lindelof also in the mix for a centre-back slot, it is now set to make Eric Bailly the fifth choice at the back for Man United as things stand. Keeping that in mind, it makes sense for all parties if the former Villarreal defender leaves Old Trafford this summer.
At 28, it is still not too late for Eric Bailly to resurrect his faltering career. If he can stay fit and get regular game time at a club, there is a chance that he can realise the true potential he possesses which we have seen in Spain and on rare occasions, in England.
Mourinho has already signed former Man United midfielder Nemanja Matic this summer and Eric Bailly could be the next one to follow. He could turn out to become an important player for Roma if he can play regularly.
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Eric Bailly at Man United has not really worked out. However, it does not make him a bad player and moving on from us could be the best solution for his career.
