Media reports indicate Bailey’s new Villa deal imminent
Aston Villa’s explosive Reggae Boy winger, Leon Bailey, is set to extend his stay at the West Midlands club on an improved contract after reaching a verbal agreement on a new deal.
Discussions between the club and the player’s representatives had been ongoing in recent months, and media reports yesterday said talks had concluded, with only the paperwork left to be sorted out.
His current deal is set to expire next year.
The improved contract will be seen as just rewards for the 26-year-old Bailey, who has emerged as an integral figure in Villa’s form this season, which has seen them outstrip expectations to be fourth in the English Premier League, but level with third-placed Manchester City on 46 points.
Bailey has scored 10 times and registered nine assists in 31 appearances across all competitions this season, with seven of his goals and six assists in the EPL.
The pacy Bailey is only behind Ollie Watkins, who has netted 16 times.
The Jamaican had a slow start to life at Villa after arriving from Bayern Leverkusen in Germany in 2021 on a four-year deal worth £25 million.
He had scored 39 goals in 156 games for the Bundesliga club but struggled in his first season at Villa, injuries limiting him to seven EPL starts, 22 appearances overall, and just two goals.
Bailey improved with four goals and four assists in 33 league games last term, before bursting to life this season in his best period at Villa Park.
Media reports have said Bailey is happy to remain at Villa and that manager Unai Emery is also keen to have the player as a part of the club’s future.