16 August 2023 , 23:00
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Manchester United are willing to terminate the final year of Eric Bailly ’s contract to allow him to leave the club.
The Ivorian appears unlikely to have a future at Old Trafford. Initially signed under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho, injuries have hugely limited his contributions.
He has not appeared for the Red Devils in a Premier League game since November 2021. Bailly was sent on-loan to French side Marseille last season but despite them having an option to buy him on a permanent basis, rejected that option and he returned to Manchester. The now 29-year-old appears unlikely to have a long-term future under Erik ten Hag.
According to RMC Sport, Bailly has reached an agreement with the Red Devils that would allow him to leave the club on a free transfer this summer. That would see him exit Old Trafford a year before the end of his current deal and would represent a huge loss for United. Bailly was originally signed for a £30m fee from Spanish giants Villarreal in the summer of 2016.
He has a number of suitors keen on signing him, with Fulham reportedly among them, whilst there are also clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey interested in him. It is further detailed that Bailly has already rejected a move to Besiktas.
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A move would follow somewhat controversial comments from the defender after he appeared to suggest that United favoured English players and called on Ten Hag to change that. Speaking to The Times prior to the Dutchman's arrival at Old Trafford, Bailly said: "[United] should avoid favouring English players and give everyone a chance.
Eric Bailly sent last season with French side Marseille (Getty Images)Who else do you think Man United should sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below
"[The club should] encourage competition in the dressing room, not just look out for some. I've always had the feeling that the national player was prioritised. That doesn't happen at Chelsea or other big Premier League clubs.
"Some people take it for granted that they are going to start, and that weakens the team. Luckily, Ten Hag has a lot of character and I hope he can change that dynamic."
Ten Hag responded to those claims but was somewhat tight lipped. "I cannot say [anything] about that. I was not in charge last season," the Dutchman replied. "Not for me," he added after being asked whether a player’s nationality would play a role in his thinking.
In all, Bailly has made 113 appearances for the Red Devils during his time at the club. He might not be the only defender to be on the move this summer.
Harry Maguire has been touted for an exit, with West Ham having had a £30m bid accepted for his services. However, a move now appears unlikely to go through with the Hammers looking at alternatives - former Arsenal star Konstantinos Mavropanos among those.
Meanwhile, United are on the hunt for another defender should Maguire leave and are thought to be interested in Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.