Eric Bailly, the 29-year-old defender, has reportedly left Manchester United in order to join Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on a permanent transfer.
Eric was informed in advance of the new season that he would not be a part of the Erik ten Hag’s plans; thus, he had been training with the reserves.
The Ivory Coast international player had made 113 appearances so far for United after being moved to Old Trafford from Villarreal for $37 million in 2016.
He signed a fresh contract in April 2021, and despite having a year left till the end of the contract, he has been allowed to move to Besiktas for free. The Player had also spent the last season on loan at Marseilles.
In all of his 113 appearances in his seven years at United, the Player managed to score only a single goal. Not only that, since his signing at United, Bailly has made only 13 appearances in all competitions, starting just six games in the Premier League.
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He was the first signing of the former United manager Jose Mourinho and was deemed as the Player of the Match on his debut for the club after a 2-1 win at Wembley. He also won the Community Shield for the same.
Later that season, he won an EFL Cup winner’s medal for being the Player of the starting 11 that beat Southampton 3-2 at Wembley.
In the 2016/17 Europa League Campaign, Bailly was named by UEFA in the Europa League Team of the Season and praised for his “dominant defensive play.”
Bailly’s one goal for United came at the beginning of the season when he scored a 4-0 win in August 2017.
However, his subsequent seasons did not go as well since his opportunities were taken away due to his injuries, as well as heightened competition for the defender position.
Bailly has become the second Player to join a Turkish Super Lig Club this summer after Fred’s transfer to Fenerbahce earlier this year, while an exchange was done from Fenerbahce to United just last week by the goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
The departing Player also sent a heartfelt goodbye to the Manchester United fans. Bailly posted a goodbye message on social media.
“As I leave this club after many years of incredible memories, outstanding teammates, and trophies, I want to express my profound gratitude. This chapter may be closing, but the friendships and memories will forever remain in my heart. The fans are the real champions. Thank you for everything, forever United.”
