Eric Bailly has several options on the table as the Manchester United defender pushes for an Old Trafford exit this summer.
United stand on the verge of one of the most pivotal periods in their recent history, with new manager Erik ten Hag tasked with quickly reversing their fortunes. The Dutchman is set to take in his first Red Devils match this weekend, the final game of a miserable Premier League campaign.
Regardless of the result at Crystal Palace, 2021/22 will go down as United’s worst ever Premier League campaign, with defeat likely to see them drop into the Europa Conference League next term.
Ten Hag is set to have full control over all recruitment decisions as he looms to arrest the slump which has been in evidence for almost a decade. As well as several arrivals, there also promises to be a number of departures, including some high-profile stars.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani are all out of contract, whilst Nemanja Matic has also confirmed he will leave following the game at Palace.
There is also a strong possibility that several players still in contract will be allowed to leave, with Ten Hag preparing to hold talks with every member of the playing staff during his opening weeks in the job. But reports in France suggest that Bailly does not intend to be a part of the new era at Old Trafford and has representatives in talks with a number of clubs.
The Ivorian only signed a new contract last summer, but has fallen down the pecking order - making just seven appearances in all competitions this season. Signed for £30million in 2016, the 28-year-old has struggled to ever live up to the billing, with injuries hampering his chances of becoming a mainstay in the United team.
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Speaking after signing his contract in 2021, Bailly hinted that if he wasn’t handed more regular opportunities, he would be willing to cut his time short.
“Competition is always good to improve. I just say that I want to stay in case I get the chance to play. I don’t want to be a starter one game and a substitute for another five,” he explained last year.
“If that happens I will have to look for another solution. The new contract is fine but if I don’t play I will be open to listen to other proposals.”
Earlier this month, Manchester Evening News reported that Bailly had told team-mates at the club’s Carrington training ground complex that he was looking to leave, a claim which has now been further backed up.
French news outlet But! (via Sport Witness) claim the defender’s representatives are in contact with several clubs, including Marseille and Lyon from Ligue 1. Along with offers from France, there is also reported interest from Spain and France with an exit now looking almost certain.
Ten Hag landed in England earlier this week and will now look to kickstart what promises to be a busy summer window: “There are still a few things that need to be done in preparation for the season,” he explained.
“It's time to turn the switch now. It's something that is needed because there is a lot to take care of and I have the energy for it. There is a lot of work to do [at United]. That is the case with every club.
“A number of things still need to be organised in the staff and also in the selection. We will be working intensively on this from tomorrow.”
