Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday that defender Eric Bailly has joined Olympique Marseille on a season-long loan deal.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Bailly joins Marseille on a season-long loan deal
- The French side have the option of making the move permanent at the end of the season
- Bailly made 113 appearances for Manchester United
Manchester United has confirmed that defender Eric Bailly has completed a loan move to Olympique Marseille on Wednesday.
The Ivory Coast star joined the Red Devils in 2016 and played a big role in the club’s Europa League and EFL Cup wins that season. Bailly has made 113 appearances for the former Premier League champions and has scored one goal during his time at the club.
In a statement released on the club’s official website, United has now confirmed that the 28-year-old has joined Marseille for the remainder of the season. The Red Devils also confirmed that the French side have the option of making the move a permanent one at the end of the current season.
“Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has joined French side Marseille on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.”
“Bailly’s move to the south of France includes the possibility of a permanent transfer at the end of the season,” read the statement.
The Ivory Coast defender also opened up on his move to Marseille on Instagram, saying that he is happy to join the French giants and is looking forward to the new campaign with them.
“I’m happy and I can’t wait to start this new adventure at the @OlympiquedeMarseille! A big season ahead!” said Bailly.
The Ivory Coast defender has seen his chances in the starting lineup diminish over the past few seasons with the arrivals of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.
With Lisandro Martinez also joining Manchester United this season, Bailly’s chances would have been further reduced.
Manchester United haven’t made the best of starts under new manager Erik ten Hag as they lost their first two games to Brighton and Hove Albion and Brentford.
However, this week’s win over arch-rivals Liverpool has changed the mood around the team. Martinez put in a Man Of The Match performance against Jurgen Klopp’s team.
