Eric Bailly was one of the standout performers for Manchester United in their 4-0 win over Liverpool earlier this week but the defender has been the subject of intense rumours for quite some while.
The Ivorian is behind three other players in the centre-back pecking order and United’s pursuit of Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez certainly doesn’t help his cause.
Bailly has three years remaining on his contract and with his prime years still ahead of him, United could command a sizeable transfer fee if they consider his departure this summer.
A return to Villarreal has been rumoured but now, it’s being claimed that Napoli are in contact with Manchester United over a potential deal for Bailly.
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That’s according to Italian journalist and transfer expert Alfredo Pedulla, who adds that Napoli are scanning the market for Kalidou Koulibaly replacements, with the Senegalese defender set to join Chelsea.
SN’s verdict…
It might have been a pre-season game but Bailly’s 45 minutes in Bangkok certainly left an impression with United fans and amid the side’s disastrous defensive record, he could fancy a resurrection under Erik ten Hag.
Bailly was rarely used by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but was still awarded with a new contract under the Norwegian and he could very well fight his way back into the fold at Old Trafford.
Napoli would, however, be a realistic destination for Bailly. They are in need of a centre-back and Bailly is still a very good defender. His fitness has let him down at United but went largely unscathed through the entirety of last season.
Bailly can be a very good player on the day, but sometimes his concentration wonders and he makes mistakes. His lack of consistancy has cost him.
One brilliant game does not make him good enough for Man Utd. Sell him ASAP.