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Marseille will avoid triggering their obligation to buy Eric Bailly from Manchester United this summer, according to reports in France.
Bailly, 28, has spent the season on loan at the French club but has managed only 15 appearances in all competitions, after struggling with a thigh injury early on in the campaign and missing seven games through suspension after a horror challenge.
French outlet L'Equipe have reported that Marseille have an obligation to buy the Ivory Coast international for just over £6m if he plays a certain number of games this season.
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It is claimed that Bailly would need to play 10 of the last 12 games of the league campaign to trigger the clause.
In addition to those appearances, Marseille would need to qualify for the Champions League for it to come into effect, which they are on course to do – with Igor Tudor's side currently second in Ligue 1.
Marseille are keen to avoid that from happening and expected to bench Bailly in several games to prevent him from playing the 10 league matches.
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It is reminiscent of Antoine Griezmann's situation on loan at Atletico Madrid earlier this season, when he was forced to come off the bench because of bizarre clause in his loan deal from Barcelona.
It was revealed that if Griezmann played at least 45 minutes in 14 matches, Atletico would be liable to pay Barcelona a £35million fee to make the move permanent.
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone opted against starting the France international and instead brought him on after the 60-minute mark, to avoid paying the full fee.
A deal was later reached between Atletico and Barcelona, which saw the Madrid club re-sign Griezmann in a £21m deal – bringing his bench nightmare to an end.
Will Bailly return to Man Utd?
Marseille could still sign Bailly even if the obligation to buy isn’t triggered, with the French club having an option to negotiate a permanent transfer at a lower price before other clubs.
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But it remains to be seen whether they will want to take him on a permanent deal.
United will be keen to offload the defender, who is under contract until 2024 and is believed to earn around £100,000 a week at Old Trafford.
United reportedly need to sell players this summer in order to bring in new signings due to Financial Fair Play regulations, with the club spending more than £220m since Erik ten Hag was appointed manager last summer.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester United, Marseille, Eric Bailly, Football, Transfers, Premier League, Ligue 1