Eric Bailly Joins Real Oviedo in Shock Move After Saudi Snub

FORMER Manchester United star Eric Bailly has signed for Real Oviedo.

The Ivorian, 31, will join up with ex-Arsenal favourite Santi Cazorla at the newly-promoted Spanish club.

4 Eric Bailly has signed for Real Oviedo Credit: RealOviedo

4 The Spanish club announced the deal with an elephant Credit: X @RealOviedo

Bailly cost the Red Devils £30million from Villarreal in 2016.

The centre-back was on United's books for seven years but was limited to 113 appearances due to several injury issues.

Following a brief spell at Besiktas, Bailly rejoined Villarreal in 2023.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano , the experienced defender could have moved to a Saudi Arabian club this summer.

Instead he has opted to sign with Real Oviedo .

In a nod to Bailly's nationality, Oviedo announced the transfer with a video of an elephant.

The Ivory Coast national team are known as "the elephants".

Cazorla, 40, returned to his boyhood club in 2023.

4 Bailly, 31, played 113 times for Man Utd Credit: Getty

In June the crafty midfielder completed his fairytale career swansong by helping Oviedo return to LaLiga for the first time in 24 years.

Last month, the hometown hero penned a one-year extension - meaning he would play in the top flight with his beloved club.

And he did just that last weekend, coming off the bench late on in his side's 2-0 defeat at his former club Villarreal.

Oviedo host Real Madrid in a mouthwatering match-up this weekend.

It remains to be seen whether Bailly will be fit enough to take part.

4 Santi Cazorla is a hero with his boyhood club Credit: Shutterstock Editorial