Manchester United completes Eric Bailly transfer

Manchester United has won the race against Europe's elite for Eric Bailly's signature.

The club announced its first major transfer Wednesday after the defender put pen to paper on a four-year contract to complete his move from Villarreal.

(Courtesy: Manchester United)

"It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United," Bailly said. "To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.

"I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and to starting this new chapter of my life."

Mourinho's new club secured the 22-year-old's services ahead of suitors including Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Barcelona, reports Sky Sports, despite United's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Such competition from some of the biggest clubs in football also reportedly swelled Bailly's transfer fee to around £30 million.

Mourinho described Bailly as a "raw talent," but believes the centre-back has joined the ideal club to help him continue to grow as a player.

"Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.

"We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfill his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development."

The Ivory Coast international was the subject of transfer rumours since the conclusion of the Spanish league, where Bailly impressed during his 25 appearances with Villarreal.

Villarreal initially paid £5 million to lure him away from Espanyol in January 2015.