Manchester United’s Eric Bailly is on the brink of departing the club, as he awaits the green light for his exit following the agreement of terms with Turkish side Besiktas. According to acclaimed transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, the centre-back is preparing to make the move to Turkey, marking the culmination of a challenging stint at Old Trafford. Notably, Bailly spent the previous season on loan at Marseille in Ligue 1, contributing to a tumultuous chapter in his career.
Bailly’s journey with Manchester United began in 2016, following his transfer from Villarreal for a reported fee of £30 million ($38.17 million). As he enters the final year of his contract, there remains the option for the club to extend his agreement for an additional 12 months. However, the player’s imminent departure signals a shift in trajectory.
Within a broader context, Bailly’s loan spell at Marseille included an option for the French club to secure his permanent services after a stipulated number of appearances. Regrettably, his trajectory was interrupted by a suspension stemming from a kung-fu kick challenge, which rendered him unavailable for seven games and limited his appearances to 23 for the season. His involvement at Marseille was marked by its share of challenges, leading to this decisive juncture in his career.
The impending departure from Manchester United marks a transition for Bailly, who had reportedly received offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, including a potential opportunity with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr. Despite these alternative prospects, negotiations did not reach fruition, and the centre-back is now on the verge of embarking on a new chapter in Turkey with Besiktas.