Manchester United have signed defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal subject to a work permit, the club have confirmed.
The 22-year-old has penned a four-year deal, with the option for a further two years, and becomes Jose Mourinho’s first signing at Old Trafford.
Bailly, who was part of the Africa Cup of Nations-winning Ivory Coast team in 2015, arrives for a reported fee of around £30 million.
“It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United,” Bailly told the club’s official website. “To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.
“I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life.
Mourinho added: “Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.
