In a significant transfer move, Turkish club Besiktas announced on Tuesday that they have successfully signed Ivory Coast international defender Eric Bailly from English Premier League giants Manchester United. The 29-year-old defender, who spent the previous season on loan at French club Marseille, has joined Besiktas, marking a fresh chapter in his career.
Eric Bailly’s transfer to Besiktas comes after a period of uncertainty at Manchester United, where he gradually fell down the pecking order among the club’s defenders. The Ivorian initially arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 from Villarreal and enjoyed a strong debut season with the Red Devils. However, injuries and increased competition for playing time contributed to his reduced role within the squad.
Last season, Bailly was loaned to Marseille with an option for the French club to make the move permanent. Unfortunately, his time in France was marred by a series of injuries that limited his appearances for Marseille. Despite these challenges, Besiktas has expressed confidence in Bailly’s abilities and is looking forward to his contributions to the team.
Besiktas, in their official statement, did not disclose the specific details of the contract, including its length or the financial terms of the transfer. This move marks another significant step for Besiktas as they strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
The Turkish club expressed their enthusiasm about the signing, stating, “We wish Eric Bailly, who we believe will provide important services to our club, great success with our glorious jersey, and present it to the public with our respect.”
Eric Bailly’s arrival at Besiktas adds an experienced presence to their defensive lineup and sets the stage for an exciting season ahead in Turkish football. Fans eagerly await the start of the season to see how the Ivorian defender will adapt to his new surroundings and contribute to Besiktas’ pursuit of success in domestic and international competitions.
