Real Madrid are reportedly scouring the prospect of landing Eric Bailly in the summer, with the defender currently out of favour at Manchester United
In what is a bizarre turn of events, Manchester United ‘flop’ Eric Bailly has emerged as a summer target for Real Madrid, according to The Sun. The Ivorian has been linked with a summer exit in recent times and is drawing interest from several other clubs, including from the top brass of the Premier League.
The report states that Zinedine Zidane is a huge admirer of Bailly back from when the player was plying his trade in La Liga and wherein he first gained prominence. In fact, it adds that Real Madrid were in the race to sign Bailly when Manchester United snapped up the player and now that he is no longer a starter at Old Trafford, the Spanish giants are considering a summer move for the defender.
Eric Bailly’s Manchester United career started off on the brightest of notes possible, with an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League. But, soon after, injuries, inconsistency and lack of discipline has caught up with him, with the player not really featuring much under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have problems of their own at the back. While their defence has been one of the major weak points in the 2018-19 season, Raphael Varane is reportedly seeking a new challenge and is likely to be on his way out, despite Real Madrid trying to do all they can to retain his services.
Sergio Ramos and his lack of discipline has become more prominent and Zidane is looking to beef up the central defence in the summer. Eric Bailly could be a shrewd choice as the Ivorian is already accustomed to the footballing style and pace of La Liga.
With Solskjaer not really favouring Bailly and the defender having less than two years on his deal, Real Madrid are reportedly looking to do a deal for the centre-back at around £35 million, which would provide Manchester United with a tiny bit of profit on the overall business while also helping them make space for summer arrivals.
Bailly himself is reportedly ready to move on, according to the report. The defender would fancy a return to La Liga while also being given an opportunity to continue playing at the highest level, compete for trophies and be exposed to Champions League football on a regular basis.
This is a transfer that could truly happen. Real Madrid or not, Eric Bailly’s days at Manchester United look numbered and the defender himself is likely to want to move on in search of regular first-team opportunities.
