Former £30m Man Utd star, 31, joins Arsenal legend Santi Cazorla as shock free transfer is announced in ‘elephant' video
The Ivorian, 31, will join up with ex-Arsenal favourite Santi Cazorla at the newly-promoted Spanish club.
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Eric Bailly has signed for Real Oviedo
Credit: RealOviedo
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The Spanish club announced the deal with an elephant
Credit: X @RealOviedo
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Bailly cost the Red Devils £30million from Villarreal in 2016.
The centre-back was on United's books for seven years but was limited to 113 appearances due to several injury issues.
Following a brief spell at Besiktas, Bailly rejoined Villarreal in 2023.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the experienced defender could have moved to a Saudi Arabian club this summer.
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Instead he has opted to sign with Real Oviedo.
In a nod to Bailly's nationality, Oviedo announced the transfer with a video of an elephant.
The Ivory Coast national team are known as "the elephants".
Cazorla, 40, returned to his boyhood club in 2023.
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Bailly, 31, played 113 times for Man Utd
Credit: Getty
In June the crafty midfielder completed his fairytale career swansong by helping Oviedo return to LaLiga for the first time in 24 years.
Last month, the hometown hero penned a one-year extension - meaning he would play in the top flight with his beloved club.
Arsenal legend Santi Cazorla leads celebrations at Oviedo's incredible open-top bus parade as thousands line streets
And he did just that last weekend, coming off the bench late on in his side's 2-0 defeat at his former club Villarreal.
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Oviedo host Real Madrid in a mouthwatering match-up this weekend.
It remains to be seen whether Bailly will be fit enough to take part.
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