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BREAKING: Manchester United Sign Eric Bailly

BREAKING: Manchester United Sign Eric Bailly

It's official

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of defender Eric Bailly from Villareal, on a four-year contract, subject to a work permit.

The Ivorian, who has represented his country 15 times, has an option for another two years on his deal with the Red Devils and had made 47 appearances for Villareal since joining the club in January 2015.

Bailly had been courted by Pep Guardiola during his time as Bayern Munich manager and it was believed that he would rekindle his interest in the 22-year-old at Manchester City, only for his old rival Mourinho to beat him to the punch.

Talking to ManUtd.com about the move, Bailly said, "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 was equally as enthusiastic about completing his first transfer as United manager, telling the club's official website "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."

No official fee has been confirmed as of yet, but it is believed to be in the region of 30m euros. Not everyone remains convinced about the deal, though:


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Topics: Football, Manchester United, Villareal, Eric Bailly