Manchester United defender Eric Bailly reportedly prefers a move to Napoli, amid interest from Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Vitale, Eric Bailly is in talks with several clubs over a potential move away from Old Trafford this summer. The Manchester United defender has been courted by several clubs across Europe, including Napoli, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
Bailly favours a move to Napoli, and the two parties are currently locked in negotiations. It appears Manchester United could be open to offloading the Ivorian, who has been a victim of the club’s lavish policies in the transfer market ever since his arrival from Villarreal.
Indeed, Bailly has fallen behind big-money arrivals such as Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane for the majority of his time at Manchester United. His role at the club is set to dwindle further as the Red Devils close in on the capture of Ajax starlet Lisandro Martinez, who is set to cost over €50 million.
The likely acquisition of Martinez could leave Bailly with no choice but to seek an exit from Manchester United and move elsewhere in an attempt to revive his career.
That is where Napoli come into the fray. The Serie A giants are currently in the market for a new central defender this summer after sanctioning the sale of Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese international has joined Chelsea, effectively leaving a massive void in Napoli’s defensive unit.
Napoli have been linked with a move for Kim Min-jae as a potential replacement, but the South Korean international remains at Fenerbahce for now. It has compelled the Partenopei to set their sights on Eric Bailly. The Manchester United star offers significant experience at the highest level of football and may have what it takes to replace Koulibaly.
Although the two are not on the same level, Bailly does share similar characteristics with Koulibaly, especially with his no-nonsense defensive mentality and an unrivalled work ethic. It should make him a huge success in Serie A, and a massive coup for Napoli, especially considering the fact that the Manchester United defender is unlikely to cost a fortune.
Bailly’s struggles at Old Trafford have been well-documented, and with the defender just having two years left on his current contract, Manchester United will be determined to sanction his sale in the ongoing summer transfer window.
