Leon Bailey contract news causes excitement as ‘explosive’ Aston Villa ace shines again
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Alan Hutton is happy to see Aston Villa are reportedly considering a contract offer for Leon Bailey.
Bailey, 26, scored his fifth goal of the season on Sunday (22 October) as Unai Emery’s men won 4-1 against West Ham at Villa Park in the Premier League.
Although Jamaica international Bailey has been in and out of the Spaniard’s starting line-up this season, he’s had a great impact both in the league and in the Europa Conference League.
On 16 October, Football Insider reported that Villa are readying a new deal for the former Bayer Leverkusen attacker, whose existing deal at B6 expires in just over 18 months’ time.
Hutton is happy to see that Bailey could be joining a spate of Villa player to sign fresh terms this year.
Speaking to Villa News, Hutton said: “Overall, Bailey gives you something; he’s explosive.
“He’s had injury problems and been in and out at times. But I think he’s done enough to show everybody what he’s capable of.
“When he’s on it, he’s a player who gets bums off seats and causes excitement in the stadium. He can do everything on his day.
“He can be a bit more consistent and that’s maybe the next level for him, to do it every week.
“He’s shown enough to suggest he deserves a new contract and when you’ve got that group of players who’ve been together for a while now and all signing new deals – Tyrone Mings, Ollie Watkins, John McGinn and now Bailey – the heart of the team is there and that’s what you need to move forward and be successful.
“It’s a good idea [to offer a new contract to Bailey].”
In other Aston Villa news, the ball is in this player’s court after a reported behind-the-scenes bust-up with Unai Emery.