Man Utd confirm defender exit to Turkish club

Man Utd defender Eric Bailly has exited the club to join Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on a permanent transfer this summer.

This was confirmed by Manchester United via the club’s website on Tuesday, September 5.

The 29-year-old Ivorian defender made 113 appearances for the Red Devils after he joined them from Villarreal in 2016.

Bailly was the first player former Man United manager Jose Mourinho signed during his time at the club.

The defender won the Community Shield on his debut in a 2-1 win against Leicester City at Wembley, when he was named Player of the Match.

That same season, Bailey won an EFL Cup winner’s medal as part of the starting XI that beat Southampton 3-2 at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Bailly’s last competitive appearance for the Red Devils was in a 3-1 win over Burnley in December 2021.

The Ivory Coast star spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Bailey is now the second Man Utd player to join a Turkish Super Lig club this summer after Fred’s transfer to Fenerbahce last month.

The Red Devils also signed goalkeeper Altay Bayindir from Fenerbahce last week.