Eric Bailly to return to Manchester United from Olympique Marseille loan
Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, who is on loan at Olympique Marseille, is set to return to the Old Trafford side at the end of the season, according to French outlet La Provence (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Ivory Coast international joined the Ligue 1 outfit in the summer of 2022 in a temporary move. However, the French giants have no intention of keeping the defender on a permanent basis.
Last summer, the Red Devils had negotiated a €7 million buy option in the deal with the Phocaeans for the centre-back, which would turn into an obligation if certain conditions were met. But it seems unlikely that Igor Tudor’s team will be obliged to sign him.
One of the main points in Bailly’s deal was for him to play a set number of matches for Marseille. However, it seems unlikely that it will be fulfilled.
Another point was the Ligue 1 outfit qualifying for the Champions League. At the moment, the French giants are third in the league table. But UCL qualification is not guaranteed, with the chasing pack on their heels.
The Ivorian signed for United in the summer of 2016 from Villarreal. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old has been unable to make a mark at the Manchester-based club over the years.
Constant injuries have not helped the defender’s cause either. In the current campaign, the centre-back has been a bit-part player for the Orange Velodrome side, making 18 appearances in all competitions.
However, for now, the Red Devils’ backline is stacked. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been Erik ten Hag’s preferred options. But as a result, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have found game time hard to come by at the Old Trafford side.
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Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see either of the two depart next summer. In that case, United will need reinforcements in defence. While Bailly is not a great first choice, if we can keep him fit, there is a capable player in the Ivorian to be a third or fourth choice in the squad.
