Aheed Abrar
Real Betis interested in Manchester United defender Eric Bailly
Manchester United star Eric Bailly is attracting interest from Spanish outfit Real Betis in the ongoing transfer window, according to Mundo Deportivo (h/t Manchester Evening News).
The Ivory Coast international spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Olympique Marseille. Les Phoceens had a €7 million option to acquire the services of the centre-back on a permanent basis but opted against it.
As things stand, the 29-year-old is expected to part ways with the Red Devils this summer. Erik ten Hag seemingly does not count on him. To that end, the Verdiblancos are eyeing the defender’s signature.
United signed Bailly in the summer of 2016 from Villarreal. The centre-back’s debut season at the Old Trafford side was impressive. Unfortunately, since then, the Ivorian has been unable to put in consistent displays.
The 29-year-old has been hampered by multiple injuries over the last few years at the Red Devils. As a result, the defender has hardly featured for the Manchester-based club.
At Marseille, Bailly was unable to cement a place in the starting lineup. The Ivorian started in just five Ligue 1 matches for the Orange Vélodrome side in the previous campaign.
As for United, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have formed a brilliant partnership at the back. The Argentine and French nationals have been Erik ten Hag’s preferred duo in defence at the Old Trafford side.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are also at the gaffer’s disposal as things stand. The two have fallen down the pecking order under the Dutch manager. But last season, our captain and the Swedish national usually did a decent job when called upon.
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Bailly’s time at the Red Devils looks to be in its final stages. The 29-year-old is seemingly surplus to requirements at the club. It remains to be seen whether Betis will take him back to Spain.
