Aheed Abrar
Saudi Arbian clubs interested in Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly
Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia in the ongoing transfer window, according to Sky Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News).
As things stand, the Ivory Coast international has two offers on the table from the Saudi Pro League. The centre-back has been informed that he is free to leave the Old Trafford side this summer.
Erik ten Hag does not have the 29-year-old in his plans ahead of the 2023/24 term. United are looking to cash in on the former Villarreal star in the coming weeks but realise that it will be difficult to get more than £2–£3 million for him.
United signed Bailly in the summer of 2016 from the Yellow Submarines. After a decent debut season at the Manchester-based club, things have gone downhill for the Ivorian.
After struggling for regular game time and sustaining multiple injuries, the defender spent last season on loan at Olympique Marseille. But even in France, the centre-back started in just five Ligue 1 matches.
Saudi Arabia has turned out to be a popular destination for players this summer. Some of the biggest names in European football have moved to the Middle Eastern country recently. We have sold Alex Telles to Al-Nassr in the ongoing transfer window.
At United, the backline is stacked with enough quality for now. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez formed a formidable partnership at the Old Trafford side in the previous campaign.
Ten Hag can also call upon the likes of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire for now. The Swedish national put in some encouraging displays when the Dutch manager needed him in the 2022/23 term.
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Bailly’s time at the Red Devils seems to be coming to an end. It would seemingly be best for the Ivorian to leave the club. But whether Saudi will be the defender’s next destination remains to be seen.
