Eric Bailly was one of those transfers which well and truly went under the radar. The deal was only reported in the Spanish media a day or so before it was completed, and the rest of Europe was left surprised at the speedy deal.
Bailly had a great season for Villarreal last time around but wasn’t really being linked much with a big transfer anywhere. Jose Mourinho obviously saw something he liked and Manchester United pushed ahead to quickly complete a transfer worth in the region of £30m.
At the time of the deal £30m was worth around €40m, now after the Brexit vote that’s down to €36m, illuminating a problem for English clubs this summer and maybe beyond.
The deal suits everybody involved and Bailly himself is understandably very excited. Taking to Twitter, Bailly said he can’t wait to get started for Manchester United.
The countdown has begun. 🏋🏾🏃🏾💪🏾 Can’t wait to start as a Red Devil! 🔴 / Le compte à rebors a commencé ! pic.twitter.com/txHHRJafhh
— Eric Bailly (@ericbailly24) June 28, 2016
Pre-season is now just around the corner and the games will come quickly as Manchester United look to use their tour to prepare for a title challenge.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be joining Bailly at Manchester United, with the German trio of Bild, Kicker, and reliable local newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten saying the deal is agreed at around €42m, with an announcement likely next week.
