The Columbus Crew have acquired free agent defender Eric Bailly, who most recently played for Spain’s Real Oviedo and boasts 12 seasons of La Liga and Premier League experience. Bailly is guaranteed through June 2027 with Club options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 MLS campaigns. 

“We are excited to welcome Eric to Columbus. 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,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall.

“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.”

Bailly most recently played for Real Oviedo (2025-26) after tenures with RCD Espanyol (2014-15), Villarreal CF (2015-16; 2023-25), Manchester United FC (2016-23), Olympique de Marseille (2022-23), and Beşiktaş (2023).

The Bingerville, Ivory Coast, native joined Manchester United ahead of the 2016-17 season. Across seven seasons with the Red Devils, Bailly recorded one goal and one assist in 113 appearances while helping the club win the UEFA Europa League (2016-17), EFL Cup (2016-17), and FA Community Shield (2016).

During his first stint with Villarreal from 2015 through 2016, Bailly made 50 appearances, recording one goal and one assist. He returned to the club in December 2023 for a second spell, adding 22 appearances.

At the international level, Bailly has earned 49 caps and recorded two goals and one assist with the Ivory Coast National Team since making his senior international debut on Jan. 10, 2015.

The defender was part of the Ivory Coast’s African Cup of Nations championship-winning squad in 2015. Additionally, Bailly represented the Ivory Coast at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, scoring once across his four appearances.