The Ivory Coast international arrives after a season with Real Oviedo, where he scored once in 15 LaLiga appearances.
Villarreal sold Bailly to Manchester United in the summer of 2016, and the defender went on to spend seven years at Old Trafford, winning the Europa League, League Cup and FA Community Shield during his time in England. He left United for Turkish giants Besiktas in 2023, but that switch lasted only half a season before he returned to Villarreal in January 2024. Last summer he moved on to Real Oviedo, and he now begins a new chapter in Major League Soccer as a free agent.
Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall welcomed the signing, saying: "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."
He added: "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 becomes Columbus's latest addition from LaLiga this summer, following the arrival of midfielder Brais Méndez from Real Sociedad as a Designated Player. The club, currently led by interim head coach Laurent Courtois, will be hoping the experienced defender can bring stability to a backline as they continue their push through the second half of the MLS season, with Bailly's pedigree at the highest level of European football offering a clear upgrade in leadership and know-how at the heart of defence.
Across his career in Europe, Bailly also had spells with Espanyol, where he began his professional career, and a loan stint at Marseille, giving him experience across four different European leagues before his move to the United States.
Injuries disrupted large stretches of his time at Manchester United and limited his impact in the years that followed, but Columbus will be hoping his composure on the ball and organisational qualities at the back translate into an immediate steadying influence as the club looks to make a push in the second half of their MLS campaign.