Eric Bailly set to join Real Oviedo after Villarreal exit

Eric Bailly is on the verge of signing for Real Oviedo following the expiration of his contract with Villarreal at the end of June.

The Ivorian defender is expected to complete a medical on Monday before finalising his move to the Spanish side.

Talks between Bailly and Oviedo had been progressing steadily in recent days, and according to reports from journalist Fabrizio Romano, an agreement has now been reached.

Unless there is an unexpected change, the 31-year-old will continue his career in Spain, just weeks after leaving Villarreal.

Bailly, who began his European journey with Espanyol before rising to prominence at Villarreal, returned to the club last season but endured a difficult campaign.

His performances were interrupted by injury setbacks and inconsistent form, preventing him from regaining the influence he once enjoyed. The end of his contract opened the door for a new challenge, with Oviedo now set to offer him a fresh start.

For the former Manchester United centre-back, this move represents another chance to re-establish himself. His career has taken him across Europe, with spells at Marseille in Ligue 1 and Besiktas in Turkey, in addition to his five-year stint in England. Oviedo will now become the latest stop in a career defined by both high-level experience and periods of frustration.

Bailly remains a respected figure for Ivory Coast, with international ambitions still at the forefront of his plans. Securing regular playing time at Oviedo could be decisive as he looks to earn a place in the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year.

The tournament remains a major target for the defender, who hopes a successful season in Spain will enhance his prospects of representing his country once again on one of Africa’s biggest stages.

Oviedo, who compete in Spain’s second tier, will see Bailly’s arrival as a statement of intent. The club are aiming to strengthen defensively as they push for greater consistency, and the Ivorian’s wealth of experience in La Liga, the Premier League and European competitions could prove invaluable. His leadership at the back and familiarity with Spanish football are expected to add stability to their squad.

Financially, Bailly arrives with a profile shaped by his past contracts. At Villarreal, his annual salary was reported to be around €3.1 million, while his current market value stands at €2 million, according to Transfermarkt. Oviedo are thought to have negotiated terms within their budget, balancing ambition with pragmatism in order to secure his signature.

For Bailly, the move is less about financial reward and more about reigniting a career that has at times been disrupted by injuries and transitions. At 31, he still has several years to contribute at a competitive level, and Oviedo’s project appears to offer both playing opportunities and a platform for personal resurgence.

As his medical looms, only formalities remain before the deal is completed. If confirmed, Bailly will embark on the latest chapter of a career that has spanned Spain, England, France and Turkey. Oviedo will be hoping his arrival brings not only defensive solidity but also the experience required to guide the team through the challenges of the season ahead.