Manchester United have confirmed on their official twitter account that they have signed Eric Bailly from Villarreal. The young Ivory Coast defender has been one of the best defenders in La Liga last season and his signing represents a major coup for Jose Mourinho. The defender signs on a four-year contract with an option to extend a further two years.
The centre-back has made 47 appearances for Villarreal and has 15 caps for his country, Ivory Coast.
Speaking on the official website, Bailly said:
"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.
"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."
Jose Mourinho was delighted with his first signing for Manchester United. He said:
"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.
"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."
Bailly is one of the best young defenders in the world and Mourinho will be thrilled to acquire the services of this talented young centre-back. This is the first step in Manchester United’s revolution under Jose Mourinho and the Old Trafford giants will be hopeful of a strong season under the ‘special one’.
