Manchester United recently decided to sell defender Eric Bailly, and he’s attracting interest from Serie A giants AC Milan and AS Roma over a potential summer transfer, reports The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell. The Ivorian centre-back has fallen further down the pecking order at Old Trafford after the arrival of Lisandro Martinez, and both parties are now keen for him to move on from the Theatre of Dreams.
Eric Bailly Wanted by Multiple Serie A Clubs
Jose Mourinho Eyeing Potential Reunion With Bailly
The report claims that reigning Italian champions Milan are one of the clubs interested in signing Bailly. They could look to bring him in as a replacement for Alessio Romagnoli, who left the club in the summer.
Another side that are keeping tabs on the 28-year-old’s situation is AS Roma. Their manager Jose Mourinho was the one to bring the Ivorian to Old Trafford in 2016, with Bailly later even claiming that he had rejected an offer from rivals Manchester City to join the Red Devils just to play for the gaffer.
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The Portuguese boss was on good terms with the centre-back during his time as United manager and has maintained a special bond with him. While these Serie A clubs are yet to make an approach for the 28-year-old, they greatly appreciate his ability and are considering a move once they better understand his situation.
Bailly No Longer Essential at United Despite Impressive Pre-Season
The Ivorian centre-back made an excellent impression of himself in front of Erik ten Hag in United’s pre-season tour of Asia. He was one of their best players in the 4-0 win over Liverpool and the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, outperforming his colleagues at the back and winning over the fans as well.
Eric Bailly…KEEP/LOAN/SELL? pic.twitter.com/xDj6JkQnXo
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 28, 2022
Bailly is a really popular figure in the Old Trafford dressing room. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer even termed him as a ‘likeable’ person during the 2020/21 season. He is also a talented player, earning descriptions such as that of a “monster” after some impressive, and rather maverick performances. But because of his injury issues – which have seen him miss 96 games for the Red Devils since he joined in 2016 – the Ivorian has lost his role as an essential player in the squad.
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He is now far down United’s central defensive pecking order, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane and Martinez all preferred over him. The Red Devils are hoping to sell him and generate some revenue which can then possibly be used to fund their own summer signings.
