Al-Nassr’s interest in signing Manchester United’s centre-back Eric Bailly this summer seems to have diminished, as their focus has shifted towards pursuing Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte instead.
Bailly is set to depart from United before the conclusion of the summer transfer window. The Ivorian defender is not part of the future plans under the management of the Red Devils’ coach Erik ten Hag.
Al-Nassr had been strongly linked with a move for the 29-year-old, who spent the previous season on loan at Marseille.
During his loan spell, he made 23 appearances across various competitions for the French club, including 17 appearances in Ligue 1. A reported deal between Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr and Laporte appears to have hit a roadblock in this deal.
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Manchester City are said to have reached an agreement with the Saudi Pro League side regarding a transfer fee for the Spaniard centre-back.
The 29-year-old could potentially be the latest notable player to make a move to the Saudi Pro League.
According to recent news by David Ornstein, this development has diminished the prospects of joining Al-Nassr. As a result, Bailly is now said to be exploring alternative options, as he is free to depart from Old Trafford.
🚨 Manchester City accept offer from Al Nassr for Aymeric Laporte. 29yo Spain centre-back into final 2 years of contract + thought to be open to possibility. #MCFC willing to sell, with Saudi Pro League club #AlNassr pushing to get deal done @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/vTsZT2idii
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 16, 2023
Bailly, who initiated his professional career with Espanyol in Catalonia, reportedly received an offer from Besiktas but declined the opportunity to join the Turkish club.
United acquired Bailly’s services in the summer of 2016. He has since represented the English champions on 113 occasions across various competitions.
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Bailly’s most productive period was in the 2016-17 season, during which he participated in 38 matches for United. However, his subsequent years were marred by several fitness issues.
The African star had a minimal presence in the 2021-22 Premier League season for the club, featuring in just four matches. Consequently, he was allowed to embark on a loan spell with Marseille.
While the Red Devils recently released Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, they still possess ample options in their central defence.
Notably, Harry Maguire’s potential departure appears to have faltered, as he is positioned behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof in the defensive hierarchy.
Jonny Evans has also been linked with a short-term contract at Old Trafford for the summer, and United are planning to extend his contract until the following June.
