Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is interested in bringing defender Eric Bailly to AS Roma, according to reports.
The Portuguese manager brought the Ivorian to Old Trafford as part of his rebuild in the summer of 2016, but the energetic central defender – for various reasons – could never really solidify himself as a stalwart in United’s defence.
Bailly has made 113 appearances in all competitions for United until now – an average of 18 per season. He made as little as seven during the Reds’ woeful 2021/22 campaign, with hints of a potential exit growing ever stronger.
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The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international has been enjoying a solid pre-season under new boss Erik ten Hag so far. Bailly stood out with a phenomenal, all around performance against Liverpool and a great assist against Crystal Palace. However, no playing time guarantees could be a factor in his decision making over the next few weeks.
Bailly was initially adamant that he would fight for a place in Ten Hag’s squad, but interest from a well known admirer in Mourinho could turn the defender's head.
According to Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio, the former United boss wants Bailly to bolster his options at the back of his Roma side. If a move does materialize, Bailly would join another former red, Chris Smalling, at the heart of Italy’s capital.
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Further reports from Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth surfaced soon after, with the reporter stating that Bailly is now planning to hold talks with Ten Hag over his future.
United currently have seven senior centre backs on the books with the imminent arrival of Lisandro Martinez. Despite showing positive signs during the Reds’ pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, it is highly doubtful Bailly climbs above the Argentine, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, or Victor Lindelof in the pecking order.
In case of limited game time at Old Trafford, Sheth revealed that Bailly would be open to a move to Rome, “if a suitable offer is made.”
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It remains to be seen what United’s valuation of the injury prone defender would be, but the fact that he was Mourinho’s first signing for the club six years ago could play into the board’s negotiating strategy. After all, he wants him again for a reason.
Bailly made 38 appearances in all competitions for the club under Mourinho’s tutelage in the 2016/17 season. That was by far his best and most consistent season at the club and the proposition of reuniting with the manager that got the best out of him could be hard to turn down.
As a matter of fact, Martinez just did the same thing by joining United from Ajax.
The 24-year-old became one of Europe’s finest central defenders last season under the new Reds’ boss and is all but set to reunite with Ten Hag at Carrington this week.
On his day, Bailly is a tidy footballer with a natural ability and determination to defend. Step overs in his own box, comfort on the ball, last ditch tackles – the Ivorian brings all of the above and then some further wonderful chaos to the table.
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His speed and physicality made him a perfect candidate for success in English football. Those could have also potentially made him an important cog in Ten Hag’s high line system at United.
However, nagging health issues were one of the biggest factors to his demise and a move away now looks to be the most viable option as United seek to open a new chapter under the Dutch boss.
Availability is the best ability in sports and Bailly simply could not deliver on that on a consistent basis. A fresh start may just be the ideal scenario for the player and the club. United will get some money and a decent chunk off the wage bill, while the Ivorian gets a blank canvas to paint on in a league where defenders are set up to shine.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Eric Bailly, Erik Ten Hag, Jose Mourinho, AS Roma, Football, Transfers