Leon Bailey transformation thrills as Aston Villa new contract update emerges from Villa Park
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 believes that Leon Bailey deserves a new contract with Aston Villa, but has challenged the winger to keep improving after admitting he had “question marks” over his ability.
Reports emerged from The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell (4 January) that Aston Villa are set to begin discussions with the Jamaican international about extending his stay at Villa Park following his sensational start to the season under Unai Emery.
The 26-year-old’s current deal side expires in the summer of 2025, which was of little concern at the start of the season when Emery used him as a rotation option, but now Bailey is one of Villa’s most important attacking players.
While Hutton thinks that Bailey has earned a new contract at Villa Park, he thinks that the winger can get even better under Emery’s management and has challenged him to reach a new level again with Aston Villa.
“I think he deserves it,” Hutton told Villa News.
“There were question marks over him obviously at the start, I think he showed in flashes what he was capable of – it wasn’t enough for me. But I think in recent months he’s been excellent.
“He’s really dialled into what the manager wants, he’s working hard, he’s working for the team. He’s assisting, he’s scoring goals, everything you want. He’s got all the attributes, he’s quick, he’s direct, and he’s got a good delivery so I think he thoroughly deserves it.
“But I think, even if he signs it, he needs to kick on again. He needs to keep going because he’s got that potential to get even better I think.”
So far this season, Bailey has scored six Premier League goals and picked up a further five assists in only 18 appearances, but what has made his output in front of goal so impressive this season is the fact he has only started eight of those matches [Fotmob].
Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz may typically steal the spotlight at Aston Villa with their performances, but the Jamaican international has now become just as important to Emery’s side as either of those players and Villa have to offer him a new contract.
In other Aston Villa news, Alan Shearer has heaped praise on one Villa star naming him in his team of the season so far