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Eric Bailly ends seven-year spell at Man United, joins Besiktas

Published:Wednesday | September 6, 2023 | 12:11 AM
Marseille’s Eric Bailly vies for the ball during the French League One soccer match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, on February 26.
AP
Marseille’s Eric Bailly vies for the ball during the French League One soccer match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, southern France, on February 26.

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

ERIC BAILLY ended his seven-year spell at Manchester United by completing a permanent move to Besiktas yesterday, as Turkish clubs take advantage of the late closing of their transfer window to sign fringe players from the English Premier League.

Bailly, who made 113 appearances for United after joining from Villarreal, spent last season on loan at Marseille because he was not in manager Erik ten Hag’s plans going forward.

Bailly is the second United player to join a Turkish club this summer after Fred’s transfer to Fenerbahce last month.

The Turkish transfer window shuts on September 15, allowing clubs there two extra weeks to sign players, compared to those in the top leagues in western Europe where the window closed on September 1.

On Monday, Tottenham sold defender Davinson Sanchez to Galatasaray and sent midfielder Tanguy Ndombele to the same Turkish club, on loan.