Manchester United continue their push to reinforce the defensive line under Ruben Amorim, but fans have also been closely watching the moves of former Reds who once called Old Trafford home.
With the new financial year in football officially underway as of 1 July, clubs across Europe are clearing out unwanted contracts and reshaping squads—sparking a flurry of transfer activity involving ex-United players.
This period marks a key time in the transfer window when deals speed up, with player registrations resetting and pre-season tours fast approaching.
Eight United players will be leaving the club as the start of July hits.
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United’s pre-season squad is already being finalised, with a few academy promotions expected and loanees returning to stake their claims.
While some former players are on the rise, others are hitting career crossroads.
One such player is former Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly, whose departure from Villarreal was confirmed on Monday, via the clubs official website, as his contract officially expired.
The Spanish side announced: “Villarreal and Eric Bailly are going their separate ways.
“The yellow club is grateful for the commitment, dedication and professionalism shown during his second experience with Submarino Amarillo.”
Eric Bailly, 30, returned to Villarreal in December 2023, reuniting with manager Marcelino during a period of instability in La Liga.
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The Ivorian played a key role in steadying the ship at the back as the team climbed the table in the latter half of the campaign.
The club’s statement continued: “The Ivorian defender returned to Villarreal in December 2023, a few weeks after Marcelino took over at Submarino.
“At the time, the team was going through a difficult period in LALIGA, and Eric Bailly was instrumental in the improvement shown by the group in the second half of the championship.”
Bailly made 25 appearances in his second spell with the Yellow Submarine, adding to the 47 matches he played in his first stint before joining Manchester United in 2016.
Once tipped to be a long-term partner for Chris Smalling at the heart of United’s defence, injuries plagued Bailly’s time at Old Trafford.
Now a free agent, the experienced defender is set for a new chapter—and a decision on his future is expected in the coming weeks.
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