FORMER Manchester United star Eric Bailly has signed for Real Oviedo.
The Ivorian, 31, will join up with ex-Arsenal favourite Santi Cazorla at the newly-promoted Spanish club.
Bailly cost the Red Devils £30million from Villarreal in 2016.
The centre-back was on United’s books for seven years but was limited to 113 appearances due to several injury issues.
Following a brief spell at Besiktas, Bailly rejoined Villarreal in 2023.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the experienced defender could have moved to a Saudi Arabian club this summer.
Instead he has opted to sign with Real Oviedo.
In a nod to Bailly’s nationality, Oviedo announced the transfer with a video of an elephant.
The Ivory Coast national team are known as “the elephants”.
Cazorla, 40, returned to his boyhood club in 2023.
In June the crafty midfielder completed his fairytale career swansong by helping Oviedo return to LaLiga for the first time in 24 years.
Last month, the hometown hero penned a one-year extension – meaning he would play in the top flight with his beloved club.
And he did just that last weekend, coming off the bench late on in his side’s 2-0 defeat at his former club Villarreal.
Oviedo host Real Madrid in a mouthwatering match-up this weekend.
It remains to be seen whether Bailly will be fit enough to take part.
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