Manchester United are willing to terminate the final year of Eric Bailly’s contract to allow him to leave the club.
The Ivorian appears unlikely to have a future at Old Trafford. Initially signed under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho, injuries have hugely limited his contributions.
He has not appeared for the Red Devils in a Premier League game since November 2021. Bailly was sent on-loan to French side Marseille last season but despite them having an option to buy him on a permanent basis, rejected that option and he returned to Manchester. The now 29-year-old appears unlikely to have a long-term future under Erik ten Hag.
A move would follow somewhat controversial comments from the defender after he appeared to suggest that United favoured English players and called on Ten Hag to change that. Speaking to The Times prior to the Dutchman’s arrival at Old Trafford, Bailly said: “[United] should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance.
Eric Bailly sent last season with French side Marseille
“[The club should] encourage competition in the dressing room, not just look out for some. I’ve always had the feeling that the national player was prioritised. That doesn’t happen at Chelsea or other big Premier League clubs.
“Some people take it for granted that they are going to start, and that weakens the team. Luckily, Ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that dynamic.”
Ten Hag responded to those claims but was somewhat tight lipped. “I cannot say [anything] about that. I was not in charge last season,” the Dutchman replied.
“Not for me,” he added after being asked whether a player’s nationality would play a role in his thinking.
RMC Sport claims that Bailly and the Red Devils have come to an agreement that will allow him to depart the team this summer on a free transfer. That would result in his departure from Old Trafford a year before the conclusion of his current contract, which would be a major setback for United. Spanish powerhouse Villarreal first sold Bailly to Manchester United for £30 million in the summer of 2016.
Numerous clubs are interested in signing him, including Fulham, who are supposedly one of them. He also has suitors from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Further information reveals that Bailly has already turned down a transfer to Besiktas.
Throughout his tenure with the team, Bailly has made a total of 113 appearances for the Red Devils. This summer, he might not be the only defender who moves.
Harry Maguire has been linked to a transfer after West Ham had a £30 million offer for him accepted. With the Hammers considering options, including former Arsenal player Konstantinos Mavropanos, a transfer now seems unlikely to materialize.
If Maguire leaves, United is still looking for a replacement and is rumored to be interested in Benjamin Pavard of Bayern Munich.