Manchester United signs Eric Bailly

Manchester United have completed the signing of Villarreal defender Eric Bailly on a four-year contract.

The 22-year-old Ivory Coast defender also has the option of a further two-year extension after finalising a deal which is reported to be costing United up to £25m.

He becomes the first signing of new manager José Mourinho, who has high hopes for the centre-back.

“Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent,” he told manutd.com. “He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.

“We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential.

“Eric is at the right club to continue his development.”

The 22-year-old Bailly made 47 appearances in the 16 months he was with Villarreal after joining from Espanyol in January last year.

He has also won 15 caps for the Ivory Coast and was part of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations-winning side.

“It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United,” he said.

“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 José 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.”

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Background info of Eric Bailly
Eric Bertrand Bailly (born 12 April 1994) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays for English club Manchester United mainly as a central defender.

Formed at Spain's Espanyol, he transferred to Villarreal for €5.7 million, and 18 months later signed for Manchester United.

Bailly made his international debut for the Ivory Coast in 2015 and helped them win that year's Africa Cup of Nations.

On 8 June 2016, Bailly signed a four-year contract, with the option of an additional two, with Premier League side Manchester United.

On signing for Manchester United Eric Bailly said "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."

On signing Bailly, Jose Mourinho said "Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around. We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential"

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