Defender Eric Bailly has finalised his move from Villarreal to Manchester United this afternoon. It is believed the fee could eventually rise to £30m for the athletic Ivorian defender.
Bailly becomes Jose Mourinho’s first signing as United boss, who spoke to the media regarding the transfer “Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.”
Having joined Villarreal in January for £5m, the Spaniards were happy to cash in and make a sizable profit within 6 month.
The defender has stated the move to United is a dream, “‘It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do”
The Ivory Coast international has been trailed by a host of Europe’s top clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Arsenal, but it is United who have stole a march on the competition and sealed the deal.
Read all transfer ins and outs, completed deals visit football transfer news.