Manchester United have announced they have signed Villarreal defender Eric Bailly on a four-year deal with an option to extend his stay at Old Trafford by a further two years.
Bailly’s arrival marks the first signing of the Jose Mourinho era at United with more signings expected to follow the Ivory Coast international, who joins for a reported £30m fee.
The 22-year-old only joined Villarreal in January last year for £4.4m but his meteoric rise over the resulting 17 months has left Mourinho with no doubt that he has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the world.
“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,” Mourinho told United’s official website.
“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.”
Of players to have attempted at least 15 dribbles in La Liga last season, none did so with a greater success rate than Bailly (93.6%).
For more stats on Eric Bailly, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
