Aston Villa must ensure 5-assist star Leon Bailey remains at Villa Park as new update emerges
Aston Villa must make sure contract talks with Leon Bailey don’t fall through after his impressive displays this season, with discussions over a new deal set to take place, according to The Athletic.
The news outlet reported on 4 January that, having entered the final two years of his current deal, the Jamaican is set to meet with the club to discuss the possibility of an extension.
It must be a priority for Villa to tie down one of their most impressive players this season to a new deal, or risk losing him on a cut-price deal if the opportunity was to arise.
Having started the season on the fringes of the squad, largely due to Unai Emery’s system not using typical wingers, Bailey has worked his way into the starting lineup at Villa Park with a string of impressive displays.
Bailey has averaged just 48 minutes per game so far this season [Sofascore], with eight starts and ten substitute appearances, and has an average of one goal contribution every 78.5 minutes in an Aston Villa shirt from his combined tally of 11 goals and assists.
In his last seven games, the Jamaican has picked up three goals and two assists, and if there were any doubts about offering him a new deal, he made sure there were no lingering doubts over the offer.
His goalscoring display against Burnley was yet another display of what he can do, as he also completed two key passes, attempted four crosses and four dribbles, and was involved in eight duels, showing his involvement in the game, particularly in the attacking third.
Aston Villa must do everything they can to ensure his long-term future remains in the West Midlands, with the electric form he has shown no doubt likely to attract interest from elsewhere.
Not only have his performances stood out, but as the only out-and-out winger used by Emery, he also provides something different to the team which can prove useful both from the start and off the bench to change the game.
In other Aston Villa news, the club will have to find a better loan move for an 18-year-old after recall reports.