Manchester United have confirmed the signing of defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal for a fee reportedly in the region of €40m, subject to a work permit.
Bailly has put pen to paper on a four-year contract with United, plus the option of a further two years, after passing a medical on Tuesday and will complete his move to Old Trafford once he has received his work permit.
“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,” the centre-back told the Red Devils’ 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 team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life.”
New United boss Jose 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.”
The 22-year-old made 47 appearances for Villarreal since his arrival from Espanyol in January 2015 and was part of the Ivory Coast team that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, appearing in all six matches at the tournament.
