Manchester United are willing to cancel Eric Bailly’s contract in order for him to depart the club.
The Ivorian appears to have no future at Manchester United. Injuries have severely restricted his contributions since being signed by Jose Mourinho.
He hasn’t played in a Premier League game for Manchester United since November 2021. Bailly was loaned out to Marseille last season, but despite having the chance to buy him permanently, he turned it down and returned to Manchester. Under Erik ten Hag, the now 29-year-old is unlikely to have a long-term future.
According to RMC Sport, Bailly and the Red Devils have reached an agreement that will allow him to leave the club on a free transfer this summer. That would mean him leaving Old Trafford a year before the conclusion of his current contract, which would be a major loss for United. Bailly was originally signed in the summer of 2016 for a cost of £30 million by Spanish giants Villarreal.
He has a number of suitors interested in signing him, with Fulham apparently among them, as well as clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey. It is also stated that Bailly has already turned down a move to Besiktas.
A move would follow the defender’s somewhat controversial comments in which he appeared to indicate that United favored English players and urged on Ten Hag to reverse that. “[United] should avoid favoring English players and give everyone a chance,” Bailly told The Times.
“[The club should] encourage competition in the locker room rather than just looking for some.” I’ve always got the impression that the national player was given priority. This does not occur at Chelsea or other major Premier League clubs.
“Some people take it for granted that they will start, which weakens the team.” Fortunately, Ten Hag has a lot of personality, and I hope he can change that dynamic.”
Ten Hag responded to those allegations, but remained tight-lipped. “I can’t say anything about it.” “I wasn’t in charge last season,” said the Dutchman. “Not for me,” he responded when asked if a player’s nationality would influence his decision.
Bailly has made 113 appearances for the Red Devils in total throughout his career with the club. This summer, he may not be the only defender on the move.
Harry Maguire has been linked with a move away, with West Ham having accepted a £30 million proposal for his services. However, a deal now appears improbable, with the Hammers considering options, including former Arsenal player Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Meanwhile, if Maguire leaves, United are looking for a replacement and are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.
