Bailly ends his seven-year spell in Manchester (Picture: Getty)
Eric Bailly has left Manchester United to join Besiktas on a permanent transfer, ending his seven-year stay at Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old arrived in Manchester from Villarreal in 2016, signed by Jose Mourinho with hopes of becoming a long-term solution at the back for United.
But after winning the Europa League and EFL Cup under the Portuguese, injuries have ravaged his time at the club with his last appearance coming in a 3-1 win over Burnley in December 2021.
Bailly spent last season on loan at Marseille but now heads to the Turkish Super Lig, where another former United star in Fred has landed this summer, signing for Fenerbahce.
‘Everyone at United thanks Eric for his contribution while at the club and wishes him all the best for the future,’ a brief statement from United said.
Bailly has not featured under Erik ten Hag with the Dutchman deeming him surplus to requirements last summer.
Following the signing of Jonny Evans on a free transfer, the Ivory Coast international effectively became seventh choice at centre-half.
He follows Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe out of the club with the pair leaving in July at the end of their contracts. Teden Mengi has also left the club, joining Luton Town on a permanent deal last week.
While the English summer transfer window closes last Friday, United can still do business with Turkish and Saudi Arabian clubs, whose respective windows close on 7 September and 15 September.
Having moved on Bailly, United still hope to offload Donny van de Beek with the former Ajax star another who is not part of the manager’s plans.
The Netherlands international is thought to have rejected the chance to join Ligue 1 side Lorient.
Galatasaray were in talks over a loan deal for the 26-year-old. The Turkish giants have however since bolstered their midfield options by signing Tottenham misfit Tanguy Ndombele on a season-long loan dal with the option to buy next summer.
He has been joined by Davinson Sanchez, with the Colombia international signed a four-year deal.
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Transfer windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia remain open.
