Eric Bailly on the Move: Former Man Utd Star Returns to La Liga with Real Oviedo

Eric Bailly joins Real Oviedo after Villarreal exit

Eric Bailly has always been a player who finds a way to make headlines. Whether it’s his fearless tackles, his all-or-nothing style of defending, or his rollercoaster career path, the Ivorian centre-back rarely leaves fans indifferent. And now, after leaving Villarreal earlier this summer, Bailly is officially on the move once again — this time returning to La Liga with newly promoted Real Oviedo.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bailly travelled to Spain over the weekend and is set to undergo his medicals before signing his contract with Oviedo. The 31-year-old had interest from Saudi Arabia, but in a decisive move, he turned down offers from the Gulf to remain in Europe. For Bailly, it’s a choice that speaks volumes — one last shot at proving himself in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, while also embracing the challenge of helping a historic Spanish club establish itself back in the top flight.

From Manchester United to Real Oviedo: A career full of twists

Bailly’s name first became known on the European stage back in 2016, when Manchester United signed him from Villarreal for a fee in the region of £30 million. It was Jose Mourinho’s first signing as United boss, and at the time, Bailly was seen as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. His aggressive defending and no-nonsense approach made him an instant hit at Old Trafford, with many fans and pundits believing United had found a rock for the future.

That first season was arguably his best in a red shirt. Bailly helped United to win the 2016/17 Europa League, a trophy that remains the club’s only continental success in the last decade. He also played a key role in United’s League Cup triumph that same season. For a while, it seemed as if Bailly was destined to be the cornerstone of United’s defence for years to come.

But football, as Bailly himself knows too well, is rarely straightforward. Injuries began to creep in, and consistency became a major issue. Over his six seasons at United, Bailly managed just 113 appearances — a respectable number, but far below what was expected when he first arrived. When fit, he was outstanding: strong in the air, quick across the ground, and fearless in the tackle. But when injuries struck, he often found himself watching from the sidelines.

By 2022, his time at Old Trafford had come to a natural end. Bailly went out on loan to Marseille in Ligue 1 before joining Besiktas in Turkey in 2023. A year later, he found himself back in Spain with Villarreal — the club where his European adventure first began. But with his contract expiring this summer, Bailly once again had a decision to make about his future.

Real Oviedo: A new chapter in La Liga

Manchester United v BSC Young Boys: Group F – UEFA Champions League Bailly

That decision has now taken him to Real Oviedo, a club with a fascinating history of its own. Based in Asturias, Oviedo have long been considered one of Spanish football’s sleeping giants. They spent decades in the lower leagues before finally sealing promotion back to La Liga last season, finishing third in the Segunda Division. For the fans, promotion felt like the culmination of years of passion and resilience. For Bailly, it’s an opportunity to become part of something special — a project where experience, leadership, and resilience are desperately needed.

Oviedo’s return to La Liga won’t be easy. Newly promoted sides often struggle in their first season back, and the step up in quality is immense. But by signing Bailly, the club are sending a message: they’re not here to make up the numbers. They want to compete, they want to survive, and perhaps even surprise a few people along the way.

For Bailly, this is also about redemption. He’s 31 now, no longer the bright young talent he was in 2016, but still capable of making an impact. His leadership and experience could prove invaluable in a dressing room that will need composure and guidance in the tough months ahead. And let’s not forget: Bailly thrives in the underdog role. Oviedo’s fight to stay in La Liga might just be the perfect stage for him to show the world he still has plenty left to give.

Snubbing Saudi Arabia: A career choice with meaning

One of the more interesting aspects of Bailly’s move is the fact that he rejected offers from Saudi Arabia. In recent years, many high-profile players in their thirties have opted for big-money contracts in the Middle East, often winding down their careers away from the spotlight of Europe. Bailly could easily have done the same — and probably earned far more money in the process.

But instead, he has chosen to stay in Spain. It’s a decision that suggests Bailly still has the hunger to compete at the highest level, to test himself against some of the best forwards in the world, and to leave behind a legacy in Europe rather than chasing one last payday. For Real Oviedo fans, that commitment will mean a lot. They know they’re getting a player who is joining for footballing reasons, not just financial ones.

Eyes on Real Madrid clash

Bailly’s arrival also comes with some immediate excitement. If all goes to plan with his medical and training integration, the Ivorian could make his debut in one of the most high-profile games imaginable: against Real Madrid on August 24. For Oviedo, facing the defending La Liga champions so early in the season will be a massive test, but having a defender with Bailly’s experience could make all the difference.

It’s a reminder of how quickly football can change. Just over a year ago, Bailly was battling in Turkey and trying to find his rhythm again. Now, he could be walking out at the Santiago Bernabéu, facing Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, while wearing the blue of Real Oviedo.

A story still being written

Villarreal CF v Valencia CF – La Liga EA Sports

Eric Bailly’s career has been a story of highs and lows, of promise and frustration, but also of resilience. Every time it seemed like injuries or setbacks would derail him, he found a way to keep going. Now, with a new chapter in Spain about to begin, Bailly has the chance to prove once again why he has always been such a fascinating player to watch.

For Manchester United fans, he will always be remembered for those early years of hope, for that Europa League triumph, and for his larger-than-life personality. For Oviedo supporters, the hope is that Bailly can bring those same qualities — leadership, fight, and determination — to a club that is hungry to re-establish itself in Spain’s top division.

At 31, this may not be the start of a long-term project for Bailly, but it could very well be one of the most important moments of his career. And for Real Oviedo, signing a defender of his calibre is not just a statement — it’s a signal of intent.

Eric Bailly is on the move once again. But this time, the destination feels like more than just another stop. It feels like a chance for redemption, for revival, and maybe, just maybe, for one last unforgettable chapter.