Man Utd outcast Eric Bailly attracts Ligue 1 duo with Prem subplots down both avenues
Eric Bailly may make a move to Ligue 1 if he leaves Manchester United this summer, since two French clubs are interested in him.
Bailly agreed a contract extension with Manchester United last year despite a lack of gametime. However, his fortunes in that regard have not improved. This season, the defender has made just three starts in the Premier League.
Therefore, it is now expected that he will be leaving Manchester United in the summer. Indeed, it has been reported that Bailly has told teammates about his impending exit.
Where he will end up remains unclear, though. Some options have been divulged by But Football Club reporter Ignazio Genuardi.
Supposedly, Bailly is of interest to Ligue 1 duo Lyon and Marseille. They face competition from other suitors in Spain and Italy, but work is already underway at each French club.
Marseille have held regular discussions about Bailly in recent weeks. They currently have William Saliba on loan from Arsenal, but his long-term future is unclear. With that in mind, it makes sense for OM to be weighing up their options at the back.
As for Lyon, Jason Denayer will be leaving as a free agent and Jerome Boateng could also make way. After an underwhelming season, they require a refresh in the summer.
Issa Diop of West Ham is also on Lyon’s radar, but they are struggling with that pursuit. Therefore, they are turning their attention to Bailly.
Phil Jones and Eric Bailly forced out by Manchester United
Phil Jones and Eric Bailly will leave Manchester United this summer to pay for Pau Torres from Villarreal
There are no details of how much Man Utd may be asking for to sell Bailly. He is under contract with them until 2024, with the option for a further year.
It is looking increasingly likely he will end his spell with the club prematurely. The coming months will reveal where the 28-year-old decides to continue his career instead.
Time right for Bailly to move on
Looking back, it was perhaps a mistake for Bailly to sign a new contract last year. It was already apparent that he was not a first-choice option any more.
Still in his prime years, though, he could contribute elsewhere. A move to Ligue 1 – a division in which he has never played before – may be interesting.
There has been little in the way of Premier League links for Bailly. Therefore, it seems probable he will be playing on the continent next season.
It appears to be the best option for his career. He will have to pick carefully to ensure he lands somewhere he can be a more prominent player.
