Marseille have reportedly decided against signing Manchester United defender Eric Bailly on a permanent basis during this summer’s transfer window.
The 29-year-old joined Marseille on loan last year, and he has featured on 19 occasions for the French outfit during the 2022-23 campaign. Les Olympiens have the option to purchase the Ivory Coast international on a permanent basis in the upcoming market, but according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the centre-back will be returning to Man United at the end of the season.
Despite Bailly’s impressive performances on the pitch, Marseille have decided not to take up the option to sign him permanently. This news has come as a surprise to many, as Bailly has been one of Marseille’s best players this season, featuring in 13 Ligue 1 matches and five games in the group stage of the Champions League.
“Understand Olympique Marseille will not trigger the buy option to sign Eric Bailly on permanent deal – he will return to Manchester United,” Romano wrote on his official Twitter account. “Been told Bailly will be available on the market as Man United are prepared to let him go.”
The Ivorian’s time in France has been somewhat tumultuous, as he was hit with a seven-game suspension earlier this year for a rash challenge on Hyeres midfielder Moussa N’Diaye, which led to the latter receiving treatment in hospital. Additionally, Bailly has also spent time on the sidelines with a leg injury this term. However, despite these setbacks, he has played in seven of Marseille’s last nine matches in the top flight of French football.
Bailly made the move to Man United from Villarreal in 2016, and he has represented the 20-time English champions on 113 occasions, scoring once and providing one assist. The centre-back’s most productive campaign came in 2016-17, when he featured on 38 occasions in all competitions, but he has largely struggled to replicate that form since.
Bailly’s existing deal with Man United is due to expire in the summer of 2024, and the 20-time English champions are allegedly hoping to move him on ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are also set to leave Old Trafford this summer, while there is speculation surrounding the futures of both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof due to their struggles for starts this term.
Overall, Bailly’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, as the club looks to rebuild and make changes to their squad for the upcoming season. While Bailly has not had the most consistent performances in recent seasons, there is no doubt that he has the potential to be a strong addition to any team in need of a solid centre-back.
