Eric Bailly

Eric Bailly made headlines when he signed with Manchester United on June 8, 2016, for a transfer fee reported to be about €30 million. The Ivorian central defender was the first signing of new Manchester United manager José Mourinho, who lauded Bailly's physical attributes and potential. Bailly was expected to strengthen Manchester United's defense, bringing his aerial ability, strength, and tackling skills that were on display during his time with Villarreal in La Liga.

Eric Bailly was part of the Manchester United team that competed in the 2017 UEFA Super Cup against Real Madrid on August 8, 2017, although he did not play in the match itself. Manchester United had qualified by winning the UEFA Europa League, with Bailly playing a key role in their defensive lineup throughout the tournament. While Bailly was suspended for the Super Cup match due to a red card received in the Europa League, he celebrated with the team as they fought valiantly, despite losing 2-1 to a dominant Real Madrid side.

The 2017-18 season was marred by injuries for Eric Bailly, who struggled to maintain fitness throughout the campaign. His season was heavily disrupted by a serious ankle injury sustained in November 2017, which required surgery and kept him out for several months. Despite a promising start to his Manchester United career, injuries began to curtail his appearances and development. The club's medical staff closely monitored his recovery, aiming for a careful rehabilitation schedule to bring him back for the latter stages of the season.

Eric Bailly suffered another blow to his playing career when he picked up a knee injury on April 29, 2019, during a Premier League match against Chelsea. The injury was severe enough to rule him out for the rest of the 2018-19 season and also caused him to miss the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast national team. This was a significant setback for Bailly, who had been attempting to re-establish himself in the Manchester United starting XI. The club's management expressed their support and commitment to his full recovery.

After a lengthy layoff from injury, Eric Bailly made his comeback to Manchester United's starting lineup during an FA Cup match against Tranmere Rovers on January 25, 2020. This match marked a significant milestone in Bailly's rehabilitation and recovery journey, as he helped his team secure a 6-0 victory. His performance was noted for its defensive solidity and composure, indicating that Bailly was ready to reintegrate into regular first-team football. Fans and pundits alike praised his resilience and determination to overcome his injury troubles.

On April 4, 2020, Manchester United announced that they had extended Eric Bailly's contract, securing his services for an additional number of years. Despite his injuries, Manchester United showed faith in Bailly's potential and abilities, viewing him as a valuable asset in their defensive unit. The club highlighted Bailly's positive influence on and off the pitch, particularly his work ethic and contribution to the team dynamics. This contract extension was a testament to the club's belief in Bailly's ability to become a core part of their future defensive strategy.

Demonstrating commitment to his Manchester United career, on April 27, 2021, Eric Bailly signed a new contract with the club, extending his stay until 2024. Bailly expressed his passion for playing at Old Trafford and his desire to win trophies with the team. Despite frequent injury setbacks, Manchester United continued to see Bailly as an integral part of their defensive lineup. Bailly's decision to renew his contract was well-received by fans, who appreciated his loyalty and fighting spirit to overcome adversities and contribute to the team's success.

In search of regular first-team football, Eric Bailly moved to Olympique de Marseille on a loan deal on September 27, 2022. Manchester United agreed to loan him to the French club for the season, giving Bailly the opportunity to showcase his talents and regain full match fitness. The move was seen as a chance for Bailly to revitalize his career after a series of injuries limited his playing time. His presence was expected to bolster Marseille's defensive options, as the player aimed to prove his quality in Ligue 1.

After completing his loan stint at Olympique de Marseille, Eric Bailly returned to Manchester United on June 1, 2023. During his time in France, Bailly garnered valuable match experiences and displayed flashes of his potential despite some injury concerns. Manchester United's coaching staff were keen to evaluate his performance and condition upon return, considering plans for the upcoming season. Bailly's loan spell was largely seen as beneficial for his professional development, as he returned with increased match fitness and a renewed drive to compete at the highest level.

Eric Bailly completed a permanent transfer to Beşiktaş J.K. on September 2, 2023, leaving Manchester United to join the Turkish club. This move marked a new chapter in Bailly's career as he sought regular playing time and new challenges in the Turkish Süper Lig. Beşiktaş provided him with an opportunity to play a central role in their defensive setup, and Bailly's arrival was met with enthusiasm from Turkish fans. The move was seen as an opportunity for Bailly to revitalize his career in a competitive league environment.