Besiktas sign defender Eric Bailly from Manchester United

Besiktas have completed the signing of Eric Bailly from Manchester United.

The centre-back returned to Old Trafford earlier this summer after spending the 2022-23 season on loan with Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Bailly has been looking for a new club during the summer months after being deemed surplus to requirements by Erik Ten Hag.

The Man United boss favours Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his preferred central defensive pairing, while Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans were all above Bailly in the pecking order.

Ivory Coast international Bailly was linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League before talks reportedly broke down with Al-Nassr.

Welcome to Beşiktaş, Eric Bailly! pic.twitter.com/XZwcmDpfzt

— The Black Eagles (@BesiktasEnglish) September 4, 2023

Fulham were also touted as a potential destination, but Bailly ultimately failed to find a new club before the English transfer window closed on Friday.

However, with the Turkish transfer window open until September 15, Bailly has still managed to complete a move away from Old Trafford.

Besiktas have announced the signing of Bailly after reaching an agreement with Man United over a permanent transfer.

Bailly has joined the Turkish Super Lig club on a short-term deal, putting pen to paper on a contract that runs until June 2024.

© Reuters

The 29-year-old, who joined Man United from Villarreal in 2016, will leave the Red Devils after making 113 appearances across all competitions.

Bailly has become the second player to leave the club for Turkey this summer after Fred completed a move to Fenerbahce for an initial £8.9m fee.

Besiktas have made several additions to their squad over the summer, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ante Rebic, Daniel Amartey and Arthur Masuaku.

Bailly could potentially make his debut on September 16 when Besiktas face Trabzonspor, just days before they begin the Europa Conference League group stage against Club Brugge.