Ex-Man Utd defender Bailly heads to MLS with Columbus Crew

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has joined the Columbus Crew on a free transfer.

Bailly has signed an initial one-year contract with the MLS outfit, though his deal contains options to extend his stay for a further two years.

The MLS calendar will change to align with the top European leagues following a shortened 2027 spring campaign, meaning Bailly could stay in Ohio through the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons. 

Bailly spent six seasons with United after arriving from LaLiga side Villarreal in 2016, eventually leaving the Red Devils for Besiktas in 2024 after a one-year loan at Marseille.

He then returned to Villarreal in January 2024 before moving on to Real Oviedo last year, making 14 LaLiga appearances for them last term as they were relegated.

Now, the Ivorian centre-back – who won the EFL Cup and the Europa League during his time with United – joins a Columbus side who sit 10th in the Eastern Conference, ahead of their campaign resuming against New York City on Wednesday.

A seasoned player ready to bring success to Columbus  pic.twitter.com/HSzGALB9b4

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) July 17, 2026

“We are excited to welcome Eric to Columbus,” Issa Tall, the Crew’s general manager, told the club’s website. 

“His experience at the highest levels of the game, combined with his defensive quality, leadership, and composure, will strengthen our backline and have an impact on our roster. 

“Eric brings a winning mentality and valuable experience that will benefit our group both on and off the field. 

“We look forward to integrating him into the team as we continue pushing toward our goals in the second half of the season.”

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