Leon Bailey contract verdict emerges as Fabrizio Romano drops Aston Villa update
Alan Hutton has been left thrilled after Aston Villa and Unai Emery have managed to reach an agreement over a contract extension for Leon Bailey.
Reports emerged from Fabrizio Romano (5 February) that a verbal agreement had been reached for the Jamaica international to sign a new long-term contract at Villa Park, with the paperwork set to be completed sooner rather than later.
Bailey’s new deal will not only extend his stay with Emery’s side but also reward him with a higher wage following his impressive Premier League campaign as Villa continue to push for the Champions League places.
Hutton has previously admitted that he had question marks over the 26-year-old, particularly his lack of consistency since joining Aston Villa, but is delighted to see the winger extend his stay beyond the end of next season.
“I’m happy,” Hutton exclusively told Villa News.
“My question mark over him was his consistency. I think this season under the new manager we’ve seen more of it, the Newcastle game he came on and he really turned the game around.
“I think he’s playing at a high level, whether it be starting or coming off the bench, he impacts games.
“I’m not surprised that he wants to keep him, because he can obviously trust him. He puts him on even from the bench and he makes something happen so I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to keep somebody like that.”
Unai Emery ready to build around Leon Bailey at Aston Villa
Bailey has managed to score seven goals and lay on a further six assists for his teammates this season in 21 Premier League appearances, however, only 10 of those outings have seen the 26-year-old names in Emery’s starting XI this term.
The forward’s consistent impact from the bench has ensured that he has one of the best goal-scoring and assist rates in England’s top flight so far this season as he appears to have finally hit his stride in the Premier League.
Hopefully, with the reward of a new contract, Bailey will manage to kick on and continue his development to become even more consistent at Villa Park and discover a new level.
In other Aston Villa news, Gabby Agbonlahor has labelled Emi Martinez the best keeper in the world after his recent displays
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