Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly has joined Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew, with the Africa Cup of Nations winner signing a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2027.
The 31-year-old centre-back, who was available as a free agent, becomes the latest experienced African player to move to the United States after building a career that has included spells in some of Europe’s biggest leagues.
Columbus Crew confirmed that Bailly has signed a deal guaranteed until June 2027, with the club holding options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 MLS seasons.
The move brings an experienced defender to the Crew, with Bailly having accumulated more than 200 professional appearances and over 19,000 minutes of competitive football during his career.
“Eric brings a competitive spirit and valuable experience that will benefit our squad. We look forward to integrating him for the second half of the season,” said Issa Tall, Columbus Crew’s general manager.
Bailly arrives in MLS after most recently playing for Spanish side Real Oviedo. The Ivorian international has also represented several major European clubs, including Manchester United, Villarreal and Marseille.
His career began in Spain with Espanyol before he made a name for himself at Villarreal, where his defensive performances earned him a move to Manchester United in 2016.
At Old Trafford, Bailly became the first signing of manager José Mourinho’s tenure and helped the club win the Europa League and League Cup during the 2016-17 season.
The defender later moved to France with Marseille before continuing his career in Spain with Real Oviedo.
Bailly’s international career has also been decorated with success.
He was part of the Ivory Coast squad that won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil, adding another major achievement to a career that has seen him compete in domestic and European competitions.
The Columbus Crew believe his experience at the highest level can strengthen their defensive options as they prepare for the second half of the MLS season.
The club described Bailly as a player with 12 seasons of combined experience in La Liga and the English Premier League, two of the most competitive leagues in world football.
His arrival will also see him take up an international roster slot, with his registration subject to receiving his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa before officially joining the team.
For Bailly, the move represents another opportunity to extend his career and share his knowledge with a new generation of players in North America.
