Former Manchester United star Eric Bailly has made a sensational return to Villarreal just a day after he terminated his contract with Besiktas.
Bailly, 29, signed an 18-month contract with his former Spain after a contentious exit from Turkey.
And he may be included in the starting XI for Tuesday’s tough La Liga opponents Valencia.
Bailly previously spent time at Villarreal between January 2015 and June 2016 before departing for United.
The Red Devils paid £30million to make Bailly one of the first signings of the Jose Mourinho era.
But his time at Old Trafford was marred by injury.
And the Ivorian has made 70 Premier League appearances in six years.
Bailly will now look to rebuild his career on familiar territory.
Villarreal are in thirteenth place after winning just five games this season.
And boss Marcelino hopes his new player can make an impact.
Bailly hopes things don’t go the way they did at old Besiktas.
The Turks transferred him for a relaxed summer after a dismal loan spell in Marseille.
However, Bailly was only able to make 8 appearances in all competitions before his contract expired on Friday.
The defender is one of five players sanctioned by the club due to their “poor performances” and “incompatibilities within the team”.
Bailly’s officer said the remedy was unfair because of his client’s injury issues.
Rafaela Pimenta said: “We are shocked and it took us by surprise.
“We’re our reaction because we know Eric hasn’t done anything wrong.
“The player’s rights are being violated and we will make sure of that. “
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