Defender Eric Bailly signs for Manchester United on a four year deal from Villarreal
Manchester United have today confirmed the signing of Eric Bailly from Villarreal subject to successful application for a work permit.
Welcome to Manchester United, @EricBailly24! #BaillyIsRed pic.twitter.com/IBi3dMQIZS
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 8, 2016
The 22 year old Ivory Coast international defender has joined on a four year deal with an option for a further two years and will cost United a sum reportedly in the region of £30m.
The 6’2″ defender is believed to be the first of several signings by United as Mourinho looks to turn United into Premier League contenders again after three seasons out of the title running.
Bailly spoke to United’s official website, saying:
“It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.
“I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life.”
Mourinho said: “Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.
“We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development.”
There is expected to be more signings for the Reds on the horizon with Zlatan Ibrahimovic remaining coy over his future after declaring he would be leaving Paris St Germain after the end of last season.
It’s believed that Manchester City will back out of a bidding war for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba leaving the way clear for United to make a deal.
The Frenchman was courted by Mourinho while he was manager at Chelsea and was believed to be a City target at one point before they baulked at the stratospheric price tag being asked.
Pogba, who ironically left United as a teenager in 2012 after complaining of a lack of opportunities, is believed to be the kind of driving midfield presence that would form the cornerstone of any United side for Mourinho.