Newcastle United and Manchester United are rivals, but the latter may have just done the former a favour with their latest transfer decision.
While the English transfer window closed on Friday night, there are various other transfer windows across the world that are still open – one of which is in Turkey.
And Turkish club Besiktas have just made a new signing, bringing in Eric Bailly from Manchester United. The centre-back has been allowed to join Besiktas on a free transfer, with the Red Devils happy to see the back of the 29-year-old.
Bailly had no role to play at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag, and he has now managed to get rid of the Ivorian defender. He will now ply his trade in the Turkish Super Lig.
They will hope that Bailly proves to be a good signing, and the deal should end Besiktas’ interest in another Premier League defender.
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Eric Bailly move good news for Newcastle’s hoes of keeping Jamaal Lascelles
Last month, Besiktas were linked with a move for Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles. It was reported that they were planning a formal approach for the defender, who was open to the prospect of leaving St James’ Park.
However, Lascelles is still with the Magpies, and you have to imagine the Bailly deal will mean that Besiktas are no longer looking to sign Eddie Howe’s fourth choice centre-back.
That is good news, as it would be a huge mistake if Lascelles were to leave now. Newcastle took a risk by not signing a centre-back this summer, and their limited options are already being stretched during the early stages of the season.
While Lascelles will likely not play a lot of football on Tyneside, it would be a mistake to let him go. Therefore, it is good to see that Besiktas have signed an alternative.
However, that might not be the end, as Lascelles is also a target for Saudi side Al Shabab. They are interested in the defender, but will need to make a move soon with the Saudi transfer window set to close on Thursday.