Manchester United Sign Eric Bailly from Villarreal
Manchester United have completed the signing of Ivory Coast centre-back Eric Bailly from Villarreal, subject to a work permit.
Eric Bailly, 22 joins Manchester United for £30m from Villarreal on a four-year contract with the option of a further two and becomes the first arrival of the Jose Mourinho era at Old Trafford.
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 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.”
Baily joined Villarreal from Espanyol on 29 January 2015 and made 47 appearances for Villarreal. The Ivory Coast defender made 15 appearances for his country and was part of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations winning team, having appeared in all six matches during the competition.
