NSWE set to seal new contract for Aston Villa star Leon Bailey – Fabrizio Romano
Aston Villa look to be locking Leon Bailey into a new contract at just the right time after his stunning display against Sheffield United at the weekend.
The Jamaican added his seventh Premier League goal of the season, and 10th overall, in the 5-0 demolition of the Blades on 3 February to demonstrate his continued importance to Unai Emery.
That is doubly-clear after the news that Bailey is now about to seal a new two-year extension valid to 2027, with Fabrizio Romano reporting via Twitter on 6 February that documents are currently being reviewed by both parties and signing due within days.
So the timing looks perfect as the 26-year-old was one of a few Villans who particularly stood out at Bramall Lane, with Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman reacting to his 20th-minute strike live on the match commentary (3 February 5.50pm) to say: “It’s absolutely stunning, top, top quality, and that’s why he’s back in the team.”
If Aston Villa needed a strong performance from the former Bayer Leverkusen wide man to convince them they are right to offer him a new deal then they certainly got one on Saturday.
Bailey about to be rewarded for fine Aston Villa form
According to SofaScore stats, in addition to his well-taken goal, Bailey also made two key passes and created one big chance from his 37 touches.
On the ball he was highly efficient, misplacing just three of his 23 passes over the hour he spent on the pitch (87%), while he had an 100% success rate with long balls and dribbles (two each), while also winning five out of five ground duels.
Bailey’s form of late has no-doubt contributed to the contract developments, as he has only failed to score or assist in three of his past 10 Premier League outings in responding excellently to the summer arrival of £51.9million Moussa Diaby from his former side [Guardian, 21 July].
Along with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz he was on fire against Sheffield United as Aston Villa bounced back from a disappointing defeat to Newcastle in the strongest terms, and provided the deal is signed as expected it will give Emery the security of knowing he has a key attacking option for the long haul.
In other Aston Villa news, Jamie Redknapp was falling over himself to heap praise on one Villa star live on Sky Sports.
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