Manchester United have confirmed that they have completed a deal to sign Eric Bailly from Villarreal on a four-year deal, with the option of a further two years.
The 22-year-old becomes Jose Mourinho’s first signing since taking over at Old Trafford and joins the club for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £30 million.
The Ivory Coast international joined Villarreal for around £4.5 million in January of last year, going on to make 47 appearances for the Yellow Submarine.
“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,” Bailly told the club’s official website.
“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 teammates and to starting this new chapter of my life.”
Mourinho added: “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 has made 15 appearances for the Ivory Coast national team and was part of the side that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
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