Eric Bailly Set to Join Real Oviedo in Major Defensive Boost

Eric Bailly, the experienced Ivorian defender and former Manchester United star, is about to sign with Real Oviedo after rejecting a move to Saudi Arabia. He is traveling to Spain for a medical ahead of his official unveiling.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Oviedo, who just returned to La Liga after 24 years, have reached an agreement to sign 31-year-old Eric Bailly on a free transfer. Bailly left Villarreal this summer and had been in talks with several Saudi clubs, but he chose to continue playing in Spain instead. He is expected to sign a two-year contract after his medical, giving Oviedo significant experience at the back as they begin life in the Spanish top flight.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR OVIEDO

Bailly brings a wealth of top-level experience from his stints at Manchester United, Villarreal, Besiktas, and Marseille. Last season at Villarreal, he played 22 matches in La Liga and showed he can still perform at a high level. Real Oviedo struggled in their first game back in La Liga, losing 0-2 against Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season. The team will need defensive stability to stay in the division, especially as they adjust to the demands of elite Spanish football after more than two decades away.

WHAT COMES NEXT FOR TEAM AND PLAYER

Bailly’s arrival should strengthen Oviedo’s defense for a long, difficult campaign. Oviedo’s next match is against Real Madrid, who are title contenders in a new era with new coach Xabi Alonso. Currently, Oviedo sit at the bottom of La Liga after one game, tied with several teams on zero points. A strong defensive display in their upcoming match could help them climb out of the relegation zone quickly. For Bailly, this is a chance to relaunch his career, find regular playing time, and become a leader on a team eager to prove itself in Spain’s top division.