Columbus Crew Signs Experienced Defender Eric Bailly The Columbus Crew has officially announced the signing of free-agent defender Eric Bailly, marking a significant addition to the club’s defensive lineup. The Ivorian international, known for his extensive experience across top European leagues, will join the team pending the completion of his P-1 Visa and international transfer certificate. Bailly’s contract with the Crew is guaranteed through June 2027, with club options for the 2027/28 and 2028/29 seasons. His signing also places him in an International Roster Slot for the Black & Gold, further solidifying his role as a key player for the club. Bailly’s career has spanned over a decade of top-tier competition, including stints in the English Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, and the Trendyol Super Lig in Turkey. Most recently, he played for Real Oviedo, where he made 16 appearances and scored one goal. Prior to that, he spent time with Beşiktaş in 2023 after a loan spell at Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille, where he featured 23 times across all competitions. His journey began with RCD Espanyol’s youth academy, from which he progressed to the senior team during the latter half of the 2014/15 season. Bailly’s professional career took a major leap when he joined Villarreal for a year and a half before moving to Manchester United for a reported 38 million Euros. At Old Trafford, he became a regular fixture, making 113 appearances for the club. During his time with United, he contributed one goal and one assist, while also playing a pivotal role in their 2016/17 Europa League-winning campaign. He made 11 appearances in that tournament and one in the EFL Cup. His contributions extended to the 2017 FA Community Shield, where he earned a full 90 minutes in United’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City.#manchester_united #columbus_crew #real_oviedo #ivory_coast #eric_bailly
Columbus Crew Acquire Free Agent Defender Eric Bailly Columbus Crew have officially signed free agent defender Eric Bailly, marking a significant addition to their roster for the 2026 season. The 32-year-old Ivorian, who most recently played for Real Oviedo in Spain, will join the club following the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa. His contract is guaranteed through June 2027, with club options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 MLS campaigns. Bailly will occupy an international roster slot, further strengthening the Crew’s defensive depth. Crew General Manager Issa Tall expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting Bailly’s experience and leadership qualities. “His experience at the highest levels of the game, combined with his defensive quality, leadership, and composure, will strengthen our backline and have an impact on our roster,” Tall said. “Eric brings a winning mentality and valuable experience that will benefit our group both on and off the field.” The Crew aim to integrate Bailly into their squad as they push toward their goals in the second half of the 2026 season. Bailly’s professional career has spanned multiple top-tier leagues, including La Liga, the English Premier League, and Ligue 1. He joined Real Oviedo in 2025 after stints with RCD Espanyol (2014-15), Villarreal CF (2015-16 and 2023-25), Manchester United FC (2016-23), Olympique de Marseille (2022-23), and Beşiktaş (2023). His most notable achievements include winning the UEFA Europa League, EFL Cup, and FA Community Shield with Manchester United during the 2016-17 season. Bailly’s time at Manchester United was marked by consistent performances. Over seven seasons, he made 113 appearances, scoring one goal and providing one assist.#manchester_united #columbus_crew #real_oviedo #eric_bailly #issa_tall
