Eric Bailly has completed a free transfer to Turkish club Besiktas after leaving Manchester United this summer. The defender has signed a short-term deal with the Turkish side until 2024 and will be a free agent once again next summer. The defender has left permanently after spending seven years on United’s books.

He was the first signing for the club under Jose Mourinho and joined them from Villarreal in 2016. However, he wasn’t able to secure a regular starting spot due to competition from several other defenders over the years.

Eric Bailly signs for Turkish club Besiktas as free agent

The Ivorian spent the 22/23 season on loan with Marseille, where he made 23 appearances across all competitions. However, he was unable to secure a permanent transfer away to France and returned to United after his loan spell.

He made 113 appearances in a United shirt, scoring a solitary goal during his time with them. At the age of 29, he still has a few years left to give at the top level and could enjoy a fruitful spell with Besiktas if things work out.

Eric Bailly will be wearing the number 30 shirt for the Turkish side, and his contract has the option to extend on the club’s side as well as his. United have replaced the Ivorian with Jonny Evans, who rejoined the club after an impressive preseason under Erik Ten Hag.