Barcelona planning summer move for Manchester United misfit

As Barcelona’s search for a new centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window continues, a new name has emerged as a prospective target.

An exclusive report from the Daily Star is claiming that the Blaugrana have set their sights on a potential summer swoop for Manchester United defender Eric Bailly.

The 27-year-old has been with the Red Devils for almost six years now, having moved to Old Trafford from La Liga club Villarreal in 2016.

A regular in the initial parts of his tenure in England, the Ivory Coast defender has dropped down the pecking order, with the club investing in new centre-backs year after year. The centre-half’s injury problems have not helped his cause either.

He is currently behind Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof at Manchester United and has played just seven times in all competitions this season.

Manchester United extended his contract last year until 2024. But the fact that he has not played in the new year is an indicator that he is not a big part of the plans, although that might change with the new manager coming in at the end of the season.

Nevertheless, Barcelona are now targeting a move for the defender as they look to bolster their backline for next season. Bailly has some experience in Spanish football having come through the ranks at Barça’s local rivals Espanyol, before playing for Villarreal.

Despite his lack of game-time at Old Trafford, the Ivorian can add value to the team as a solid squad player. But with the Catalan giants already eyeing five other defensive options ahead of the summer transfer window, it remains to be seen if they prioritise a move for Bailly.