Ivory Coast star Eric Bailly joins Major League Soccer outfit Columbus Crew

Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew have officially completed the signing of experienced Ivory Coast international defender Eric Bailly, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the centre-back’s distinguished career.

The 32-year-old defender has signed a contract that will keep him at Columbus Crew until June 2027, with the club holding options to extend the agreement for an additional two seasons. The deal underlines the MLS outfit’s confidence in Bailly’s ability to strengthen their defence with his vast experience at the highest level of European football.

Bailly’s move signals the end of an extensive spell in Europe, where he spent several years competing in some of the continent’s most prestigious leagues and tournaments. Throughout his career, the Ivorian established himself as a commanding central defender renowned for his athleticism, aggressive tackling, aerial dominance and composure in possession.

Columbus Crew believe the former Ivory Coast international will bring invaluable leadership and experience to a squad aiming to remain among the leading contenders in Major League Soccer. His arrival also adds proven quality to the club’s defensive options ahead of the remainder of the season.

Bailly first rose to prominence in Spain with Villarreal CF, where his impressive performances quickly attracted the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. His displays earned him a high-profile move to Manchester United F.C. in 2016.

During his time at Old Trafford, Bailly featured in several domestic and European competitions, helping Manchester United win major honours while showcasing the qualities that made him one of Africa’s most highly regarded defenders. Although injuries disrupted parts of his spell in England, he remained a respected figure within the squad whenever fit.

Following his Manchester United stint, Bailly continued his career with loan and permanent spells across Europe. He represented Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1 before moving to Turkish giants Beşiktaş J.K., where he added further experience in both domestic and continental competitions.

Most recently, the defender featured for Real Oviedo, continuing to demonstrate his defensive qualities in Spanish football before deciding to embark on a new adventure in the United States.

On the international stage, Bailly enjoyed an impressive career with the Ivory Coast national team, earning numerous caps and becoming a regular figure in the Elephants’ defence during several Africa Cup of Nations campaigns and World Cup qualification matches. His experience at international level is expected to be another valuable asset for Columbus Crew’s dressing room.

For Columbus Crew, the signing represents more than just the acquisition of an experienced defender. The club is bringing in a player who has competed in the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, the Turkish Süper Lig and UEFA competitions, offering a wealth of knowledge that could prove invaluable both on and off the pitch.

Bailly now begins his first experience outside European football and will be hoping to make an immediate impact in Major League Soccer. With his pedigree, leadership and defensive expertise, Columbus Crew will be optimistic that the Ivorian can help solidify their backline as they pursue success in domestic competition over the coming seasons.