Eric Bailly is reportedly of interest to four top-flight clubs around Europe, with the Manchester United defender among a host of first-team players linked with an exit from Old Trafford this summer.
The Ivory Coast international is known to be frustrated with the lack of opportunities afforded to him by interim manager Ralf Ragnick and predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and may be allowed to leave the club by incoming boss Erik ten Hag. According to Jonathan Shrager, Lyon, Marseille, Newcastle United and AS Roma have all made enquiries as to the defender’s availability.
Eric Bailly of Interest to a Host of European Clubs With Possible Manchester United Exit on the Horizon
Bailly is Out of Favour at Old Trafford
Bailly has failed to earn a regular place in the heart of the defence at Old Trafford since joining Manchester United from La Liga outfit Villarreal in 2016.
At the time of his £30 million transfer to the Theatre of Dreams, then-manager Jose Mourinho described the centre-back as having the potential to become “one of the best around”.
However, six years on from the move, Bailly continues to find himself subject to the same status afforded to him at the time of his transfer to English football: on the fringes of the first-team and not fully trusted to make a lasting impact at Old Trafford.
Bailly’s apparent need to look elsewhere if he is to find regular first-team football has become starkly evident this season. Despite repeated injuries to France World Cup winner Raphael Varane and the alarming loss of form suffered by club captain Harry Maguire, the Ivorian has hardly been given a chance to impress by either Solskjaer or Ragnick.
Bailly Linked With Reuinion With Former Boss Mourinho in Italy
Italy’s Serie A could emerge as a likely destination for Bailly if he is to leave Old Trafford this summer. During Jose Mourinho’s time as Manchester United boss, the defender was ravaged by injuries that prevented him from establishing himself under the Portuguese manager.
That could change if an injury-free Bailly is given the chance to work with Mourinho for a second time. The 59-year-old is enjoying his time in charge of AS Roma, and has led his team to the inaugural Europa Conference League final this season. He will look to bolster his squad further in the summer transfer window, and may look to Bailly as a viable option in central defence once more.
Main Photo Embed from Getty Images
