Who is Eric Bailly?
That is the question that many Manchester United fans will be asking themselves this afternoon, following the news that they are on the verge of signing Eric Bailly from Villareal, for a fee in the region of €40 million. The news was broken by Spanish transfer guru Guillem Balague:
United about to sign Eric Bailly for around €40m https://t.co/sddicTGtxk (via @diarioas)
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) June 4, 2016
So here is all you need to know about United's new signing:
Who is Eric Bailly - Position
Bailly is a centre-back, a position at which United have needed cover for some time; exacerbated by the ineptitude of Marcos Rojo and the habitual injuries of Phil Jones.
Who is Eric Bailly - Beginnings
Bailly is 22, and is originally from the Ivory Coast. Bailly got his big break as a youngster in Spain, where he signed a contract with Espanyol's youth team as a 17-year-old in 2011. Bailly spent two seasons playing with Espanyol's youth side, before making the step up to Espanyol 'B' in the 2013-14 season, making 22 appearances in the Spanish second division.
Who is Eric Bailly - First-team Football
A step-up to the first team squad soon after, making his debut in October 2014 against Real Sociedad. He was immediately rewarded with a new, five-year contract. Just three months and five first-team appearances later, Bailly was signed by Villareal for €5 million. He was signed as a replacement for Gabriel, who left for Arsenal. Bailly has gone on to make 35 league appearances for Villareal.
Who is Eric Bailly - International Career
Bailly has had a short and successful international career thus far. Harv Renard included Bailly in his squad for the 2015 African Cup of Nations. Bailly made his international debut in a pre-tournament friendly with Nigeria, and went on to play in each of the tournament's six games as his nation won the tournament, beating Ghana on penalties.
Who is Eric Bailly - Style
Bailly began his career at Villareal as the archetypal raw defender: sent off for two yellow cards in a game against Celta Vigo which came early in his Villareal career. He has adapted since, however. At 6ft 2, he is understandably strong in the air, and this excellent FourFourTwo profile also accentuates his positioning (averaging two and a half interceptions per game) and versatility (capable of playing at full-back) as notable strengths.
Who is Eric Bailly - A Win For United
Pep Guardiola was rumoured as being interested in taking Bailly to Manchester City, so his signing is an early triumph for Jose Mourinho.
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See Also: What The Hell Happened To Phil Jones' Man United Career
