Eric Bailly is set to join Villarreal in the January transfer window as a free agent, as per transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. The defender is without a club after his contract with Besiktas was terminated recently due to poor performances.
He was sidelined due to injuries and incompatibilities with the side, and has now been released as per an official statement from the Turkish club on X. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has revealed that the dismissal came out of nowhere and they might take steps against Besiktas regarding the matter.
“We are shocked and it took us by surprise. We are preparing our reaction since we know Eric has done nothing wrong. The player’s rights are being violated and we will make sure to protect him,” they said.
Eric Bailly to sign for Villarreal after being released by Besiktas
The centre-back spent only four months in Turkey after leaving Manchester United this summer. However, while his performances have not been up to the mark, Villarreal boss Marcelino considers him a suitable option to replace Matteo Gabbia, who will return to AC Milan in January.
The Rossoneri are going through an injury crisis in defence, and want Gabbia to make up the numbers. As a result, his loan will be cut short to help his parent club compete for the top spots in the domestic league.
Once the final details have been agreed upon between the two parties, Eric Bailly’s arrival will be officially confirmed by the LaLiga side, currently 13th in the table.
