Villarreal has welcomed back Eric Bailly, the Ivorian defender, on an 18-month contract, marking his return to the Spanish club after his departure from Turkish side Besiktas.
The 29-year-old center-back previously graced Villarreal’s squad during the 2015-16 season before making a move to Manchester United in a £30 million deal.
Bailly’s departure from Besiktas occurred amidst controversy, with the player being among five individuals excluded from the first-team roster due to performance issues and reported internal conflicts. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, contested the decision, asserting Bailly’s innocence and claiming his rights were being infringed upon.
Despite enduring injury setbacks and inconsistent form during his tenure at Manchester United, Bailly’s return to Villarreal offers him a chance to rejuvenate his career, drawing upon his undeniable talent and wealth of experience.
Interestingly, Bailly did not secure a spot in the Ivory Coast squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, set to commence on January 13, 2024, in Abidjan.