Columbus Crew acquire defender Eric Bailly in MLS move
The Columbus Crew have acquired free agent defender Eric Bailly, the Ivory Coast international who most recently played for Spain's Real Oviedo. His deal is guaranteed through June 2027, with club options for 2027-28 and 2028-29. He will join the roster after his ITC and P-1 visa clear, occupying an international slot. The signing, announced July 17, 2026, adds Premier League and La Liga pedigree to Columbus as the club pushes through the second half of the MLS season.
Key Takeaways
- Eric Bailly joins the Columbus Crew as a free agent center back through June 2027, with club options for 2027-28 and 2028-29.
- The 32-year-old Ivory Coast international most recently featured for Real Oviedo and will take an international roster slot.
- Bailly arrives with titles from Manchester United and Ivory Coast, plus deep experience across Europe's top leagues.
- General manager Issa Tall cited Bailly's defensive quality, leadership, and composure as reasons the move strengthens the backline.
- Columbus returns to action July 22 against New York City FC under interim head coach Laurent Courtois.
Who is Eric Bailly and why did Columbus sign him?
Eric Bailly is a 6-foot, Bingerville-born defender with 12 seasons combined between La Liga and the English Premier League. According to the Columbus Crew, he will officially join the roster once his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa clear.
Crew general manager Issa Tall said Bailly's experience at the highest levels, plus his defensive quality, leadership, and composure, will strengthen the backline and impact the roster. Tall also pointed to a winning mentality he believes will help on and off the field as Columbus chases second-half goals.
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What clubs and trophies define Bailly's career?
Bailly's path runs through RCD Espanyol, Villarreal (two spells), Manchester United, Olympique de Marseille, Besiktas, and Real Oviedo. MLSSoccer.com notes he has tallied three goals and two assists in 260 professional matches, all in Europe before this MLS move.
At Manchester United from 2016-23, he recorded one goal and one assist in 113 appearances. He helped win the UEFA Europa League (2016-17), the EFL Cup (2016-17), and the 2016 FA Community Shield, playing the full 90 minutes in United's 2-1 Community Shield win over Leicester City at Wembley.
With Real Oviedo in 2025-26, Bailly played 16 matches and scored once. Earlier stops included 23 appearances across all competitions on loan at Marseille in 2022-23 and five matches for Besiktas in 2023. Internationally, he has 49 caps, two goals, and one assist for Ivory Coast, including the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations title and a goal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
How does this fit Columbus Crew's summer plans?
Bailly is Columbus's latest La Liga-linked addition this summer, following the Designated Player acquisition of midfielder Brais Mendez from Real Sociedad. The club framed the defender signing as depth and leadership for the backline during the stretch run.
Led by interim head coach Laurent Courtois, the Crew next play New York City FC on July 22 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV. Bailly will join the roster after his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 Visa are processed, as Columbus looks to integrate his experience into the group for the rest of the campaign.