BOMBSHELL: Oviedo signs Bailly

The Ivorian central defender returns to La Liga after ending his contract with Villarreal

Héctor Andreu | 18 Aug 2025 | 16.21
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Eric Bailly signs for Oviedo.
Eric Bailly signs for Oviedo.

La Liga
1 X 2
Real Oviedo Espanyol
17/10/25 21:00:00
3.00 3.25 2.40

Real Oviedo has taken an important step in the market with the addition of Eric Bailly, a center-back with extensive experience in European football. The Ivorian player is already in the Principality to undergo final medical examinations and, if everything goes smoothly, he will sign his new contract connecting him with the blue club.

This move responds to the need of the "carbayón" team to strengthen their defense, a line that had been short of players and worried Veljko Paunovic, as reported by the newspaper MARCA. Bailly's arrival will not be the last, as the sports management continues to assess more options to strengthen the backline, especially on the left side.

The experience of the new signing is a differentiating factor. Bailly made a name for himself at Villarreal, displaying potential that led Manchester United to pay 38 million euros for his services in 2016. He played several seasons at Old Trafford, participating in high-level matches in the Premier League and European competitions. He then wore the jerseys of Olympique de Marseille and Besiktas, before returning to La Cerámica just over a year ago.

Eric Bailly, a top signing for Oviedo

However, his second stint at the yellow club was marked by physical issues, limiting his participation to just 12 games last season. Now, the signing of the Ivorian international seeks to regain his best form at the Carlos Tartiere, bringing hierarchy and experience to a project that aims to stay in La Liga for a long time.

Bailly has more than 50 caps for the Ivory Coast national team, making him a player accustomed to high demands. His adaptation to the competitive rhythm will be gradual, as he didn't have a preseason due to being without a club, so it is not expected that he will be available for the next match against Real Madrid.

The operation also has implications in terms of departures. With his arrival, the Oviedo squad would have five center-backs, which could lead to the departure of some players. In this scenario, Oier Luengo appears as one of the possible departures from the team, possibly on loan, to free up a spot and allow for the registration of new signings.

Bailly signs for Oviedo

Behind this move lies the influence of the Pachuca Group, the majority shareholder of the club. Specifically, Rafael Monge, advisor to Jesús Martínez, played a key role in Bailly's arrival in Asturias. The operation is seen as a strategic move to reinforce defensive solidity and bring Oviedo closer to its sporting goals for the season.

The blue fans eagerly welcome a player with the name and career of Eric Bailly. His signing not only generates excitement but also demonstrates the club's ambition in this transfer window. It remains to be seen if he can put his physical problems behind him and become the defensive leader that the team needs.

With Bailly, Real Oviedo adds a high-caliber player, with a history at top European clubs, making a significant impact in the market that could make a difference in their quest for a longer stay in the First Division.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, BOMBAZO: El Oviedo ficha a Bailly