Saudi Arabia Pro League club, Al-Nassr FC, have reportedly registered their interest in Manchester United’s Eric Bailly, as the centre-back prepares to leave the 20-time English champions during this summer’s transfer window.
The 29-year-old made the move to Man United from Villarreal in 2016, and he has made 113 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, with his most productive season at the club proving to be his first, when he featured on 38 occasions.
Bailly has struggled with various fitness issues in recent years, though, and he only featured seven times during the 2021-22 season before spending the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Marseille.
The Ivory Coast international made 23 appearances for Marseille last season, but he largely found it difficult to make his mark for the French outfit.
Bailly was left out of the Man United squad that travelled to the United States for their pre-season tour, with the defender not in the plans of Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Bailly will make a decision on his future ‘soon’, with Al-Nassr approaching him to discuss a switch to Saudi Arabia.
Romano claims that Al Ettifaq are also keen to bring him to Saudi Arabia, while Fulham are keeping a close eye on the centre-back’s situation.
Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth has also claimed that former Man United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, has spoken to him about a move to Saudi Arabia.
“Interest from Saudi Arabia in Manchester United defender Eric Bailly. Talks ongoing with two clubs over three year deal worth £20m,” Sheth wrote on his Twitter account.
“Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to him direct to tell him about League and lifestyle. Bailly not on United’s US Tour. One year left on contract and one year option.”
Al-Nassr have already signed one player from Man United this summer, with Alex Telles completing a move to the Saudi Arabian outfit on Sunday.
Journalist Mohammed Hamdi has claimed that Al-Nassr are willing to pay £20m to sign Bailly, who has not taken to the field since playing the final 26 minutes of Marseille’s 1-0 loss to AC Ajaccio on June 3.
Man United have already moved two centre-backs on this summer, with Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones departing Old Trafford at the end of their contracts.
There remains speculation surrounding the future of Harry Maguire, but Ten Hag has said that he wants the England international to remain at Old Trafford for the 2023-24 campaign.
