Manchester United have announced the signing of Villarreal center-back Eric Bailly for an undisclosed fee.The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international, who subject to a work permit has signed a four-year deal with the option of a two-year extension, is the Portuguese’s first signing since taking over from Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.
Bailly, who can play all across the back four, has expressed his delight at arriving at Old Trafford and has described his move as a “dream come true”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Speaking after he was signed, Morinho termed the lad as a young player full of many talents.
“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 said.
“We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfill his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development.”