Eric Bailly has left Manchester United to join Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on a permanent transfer.
The 29 year-old Ivory Coast defender made 113 appearances for United after joining from Villarreal in 2016.
Bailly was the first signing of former United manager Jose Mourinho and won the Community Shield on his debut for the club in a 2-1 win against Leicester City at Wembley, when he was named Player of the Match.
Later that season he won an EFL Cup winner’s medal as part of the starting XI that beat Southampton 3-2 at Wembley.
He was also integral in our triumphant 2016/17 Europa League campaign, despite missing out on the final win against Ajax in Stockholm due to suspension. Bailly was named by UEFA in the Europa League Team of theSseason with praise for his “dominant defensive play”.
Bailly’s one goal for United came early the following season, when he scored in a 4-0 away win at Swansea City in August 2017.
His opportunities in subsequent seasons were limited by injuries and competition for places alongside fellow central defenders such as Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, and later Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane.
Bailly’s last competitive appearance for United was in a 3-1 win over Burnley in December 2021, and he spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille.
He is the second player to join a Turkish Super Lig club this summer after Fred’s transfer to Fenerbahce last month, while goalkeeper Altay Bayindir moved in the other direction when he joined United from Fenerbahce last week.
Everyone at United thanks Eric for his contribution while at the club and wishes him all the best for the future.
