Villarreal’s Eric Bailly has been signed by Manchester United for about GBP£30 million.
The deal has now been confirmed, awaiting the confirmation of Bailly’s work permit. The four-year contract with an option to extend for two years is José Mourinho’s first signing as newly appointed manager.
The Ivory Coast defender is ecstatic at the news:
‘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.
‘I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life.’
Bailly played in all six matches for the Ivory Coast in their winning campaign for the African Cup of Nations 2015 and made 47 appearances for Villarreal.