Manchester United have now confirmed that another first-team star has officially left the club.
The Red Devils have announced that defender Eric Bailly has joined Besiktas on a one-year contract.
Thank you for everything and good luck, @EricBailly24 ??#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 5, 2023
"Eric Bailly has left Manchester United to join Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas on a permanent transfer," the Red Devils said in a club statement.
"... Everyone at United thanks Eric for his contribution while at the club and wishes him all the best for the future."
A statement by the Turkish club on Twitter read: "Welcome to Besiktas Eric Bailly.
"Our club has reached an agreement with Manchester United for the final transfer of Ivorian defender Eric Bailly.
"We wish Eric Bailly, who we believe will provide important services to our club, great success with our glorious jersey, and present it to the public with our respect."
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According to reports, the move is a free transfer, with the Red Devils said to have been desperate to get the Ivorian's wages off their books, while he was also keen to start a new chapter in which he will play regularly.
The centre-back was Jose Mourinho's first acquisition in Manchester, when he was signed for £30 million (R726) from Villarreal back in 2016.
However, injuries would form a big part of his downfall at United as he eventually fell out of favour with the managers who followed.
He is now the second player to move from the Theatre of Dreams to Turkey following Fred.
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