Eric Bailly is heading to MLS. The Columbus Crew announced they’ve signed the former Manchester United center back as a free agent, bringing a guy who once looked like one of Europe’s most promising defenders to Ohio.
Bailly, 32, has officially joined the Crew on a deal that runs through June 2027 with a club option for two more seasons. That means Columbus can keep him around until 2029 if they want. He’ll occupy an international roster spot.
His resume is legit, even if the last few years have been rough. Bailly joined Manchester United in 2016 from Villarreal and played 113 times for the club over six seasons. But constant injuries turned what could have been a solid Premier League career into a frustrating one. He scored once for United, a goal against Watford in 2021, and spent most of his time bouncing between the treatment table and the bench.
After United loaned him to Marseille in 2022-23, he left permanently for Besiktas in 2023. That didn’t work out either. He returned to Villarreal in 2024 but only managed 25 appearances in a season and a half. Then came Real Oviedo last season, where he played just 15 matches. That’s 40 games total across two years for a guy who turns 33 next April.
But Crew General Manager Issa Tall sees it differently. He’s focused on what Bailly did at the highest level, not the injury history.
“We are excited to welcome Eric to Columbus,” Tall said in the team’s official announcement. “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.”
Tall also talked about Bailly’s mentality. “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.”
The Crew are currently in the middle of their MLS campaign, sitting in a playoff spot as of mid-July. Adding a guy with 12 combined seasons in La Liga and the Premier League could help shore up a backline that’s been decent but not dominant. Columbus has allowed 30 goals in 22 games this season, which is middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference.
Bailly’s best attribute is still his raw athleticism and one-on-one defending. When he’s healthy, he’s aggressive, quick over short distances, and not afraid to put his body on the line. The problem has always been staying on the field. He’s missed significant time to hamstring issues, knee problems, and a variety of minor knocks that added up over the years.
The move to MLS gives him a lower-intensity league — at least compared to the Premier League and La Liga — where the physical demands are different. Fewer games, more travel, but less constant high-speed dueling with elite attackers. It might actually extend his career if his body holds up.
For Columbus, this is a low-risk, high-reward type signing. If Bailly stays healthy, they’re getting a veteran with Champions League experience and a Copa del Rey winner. If he doesn’t, they’re out nothing on a free transfer with a short-term deal.
Either way, Eric Bailly is back playing soccer. Somewhere other than a training room, for now.
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