Eric Bailly has signed a four-year contract extension with Manchester United, the club announced today.
The announcement comes at somewhat of a surprise. It was reported earlier this month that Eric Bailly was unhappy at the club and would not extend his contract forcing Man Utd to sell him in the summer.
The 27-year-old signed from Villarreal in 2016 for €30 million and has had his ups and downs for the club since joining. Eric Bailly has been injured a lot in his Man Utd career so far. This season he has made just 15 appearances in all competitions.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are the preferred partnership in defense this season at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Man Utd could still add a big named defender in the summer.
Eric Bailly spoke with the club after his decision to extend his contract.
“I am very happy, this decision, you don’t have to think about signing, I love this club. I love playing for Manchester, my family is happy. I have had a moment in this past with injury, now I am fit and good. A new contract is like a new challenge, I am ready for this.”
With the news of this signing, Man Utd could focus more on one big signing at center back instead of having to bring in multiple center backs and orientating them with the club.
This leaves Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe on the possible chopping block, if United were to bring in another central defender one of these players will likely have to depart.
Eric Bailly has the talent to play at a high level for Man Utd, hopefully he is able to stay fit for the next couple of years at Old Trafford.
