“Manchester United is delighted to announce that Eric Bertrand Bailly has completed his transfer from Villarreal CF, subject to successfully obtaining a work permit,” read a statement on the club’s official website. “Eric joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a further two years.”
The 22-year-old, who made 47 appearances for his La Liga club since joining in January last year, has 15 international caps to his name, and was part of the Elephants’ victorious 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The centre-back revealed his delight in signing for the Red Devils.
"It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United,” he said. “To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.
"I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life."
New coach Jose Mourinho feels Bailly is full of potential, and is keen to work with him at Old Trafford.
"Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent,” he said. “He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.
"We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development."