Roland Cutinho
Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly set to join Super Lig side Besiktas after agreeing to personal terms
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United defender Eric Bailly is close to joining Turkish outfit Besiktas after agreeing to personal terms with the club.
Both clubs are now in talks regarding a suitable transfer fee. The Ivorian star is not included in United’s future strategies and is close to departing from the club permanently before the end of the summer transfer window.
It is understood that several Saudi Arabian teams have shown interest in the central defender, and it was recently stated that the 29-year-old has been presented with two contract proposals from the Saudi Pro League.
Nonetheless, as per transfer specialist Romano, Besiktas have now taken the lead, as they have successfully negotiated and settled on contractual terms with the Red Devils star.
During the 2022-23 season, Bailly was on loan at Marseille in France, participating in 23 matches for the team before returning to his parent club during the summer.
However, he has not been included in United’s preparations for the upcoming season. Manager Ten Hag made it clear that the African star is not part of the plans for the 2023-24 season by keeping him out of pre-season games.
Bailly joined Man United from Villarreal in the summer of 2016, and he had an impressive 2016-17 season, playing in 38 matches for the club.
Unfortunately, the centre-back has struggled with various injury issues since then, which has resulted in him only managing 113 appearances for the club over six seasons.
During his tenure at Old Trafford, Bailly has lifted several trophies, including the EFL Cup, Community Shield, and Europa League. Additionally, he won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast in 2015.
Now, after having his fair share of time at United, the former Villarreal star can now start a new journey in Turkey. Besiktas secured third place in Super Lig last season and are having a busy summer transfer window.
Bailly could have a great chance to revive his career elsewhere rather than wasting minutes on the sidelines. It is a smart move for United as well, as they can save a particular amount of wages by letting the defender leave.
With just 11 months left on his contract, it was expected that he would search for a move this summer. The Red Devils are also on the verge of losing Harry Maguire to West Ham United.
With these transfers on the line, Ten Hag would need to sign quality replacements to fill the void left by these centre-backs.
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There is still a long way to go for Man United in this transfer window. After securing three signings, the club won’t stop surprising fans in the upcoming weeks.
