One key area that Villarreal need to address during the winter is in central defence. It was already a problem position for Marcelino Garcia Toral, but with Matteo Gabbia set to return to AC Milan in the next few days, they desperately need reinforcements.
Fortunately, one is soon to arrive. Eric Bailly, who was at the club for the 2015-16 season before going on to join Manchester United, has returned to Villarreal, with an official announcement of the deal having come on Saturday.
El Villarreal CF ha alcanzado un acuerdo con Eric Bailly, que vuelve a la que fue su casa durante las temporadas 2014/15 y 15/16.
Endavant, @ericbailly24 💛!
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) December 30, 2023
Bailly will bring much-needed experience to the centre-back department for Villarreal, and his arrival will delight Marcelino, who is keen to turn around the Yellow Submarine’s fortunes around in the second half of the season.
Bailly hasn’t been called up by Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations, which greatly benefits Villarreal considering that Aissa Mandi will be heading to the tournament. This departure is likely to mean that another centre-back comes in.
