Aston Villa: Fight to keep hold of Leon Bailey now on as ‘massive’ exit admission shared
Leon Bailey has confessed his desire to join one of the “big six” teams in the Premier League, as Aston Villa now face a fight to keep hold of the winger.
The Jamaican insisted that a move to a “massive” team would help grow the profile of his country and shine a light on the young footballers there – something he insists has always been his goal.
With his eight goals and eight assists this season already setting his best-ever pace in terms of goal contributions in England, his performances at Villa Park could attract plenty of transfer interest.
Bailey was speaking on the Let’s Be Honest podcast [20 March] as he confessed: “You have big teams in England, they call themselves the big six. The Arsenals and the Chelseas.
“It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League and I am right now. Who wouldn’t want to go to a massive team? Especially coming out of Jamaica, do you know how big that is for the country? Especially being who I am as well.
“It would shine more light and that has been my focus whenever overseas. It is to use my platform to be able to shine a light on the country and the young talents.”
How good has Leon Bailey been for Aston Villa?
Aside from his eight goals and eight assists this season, it has been Bailey’s consistent performances game by game which have earned him plaudits from many in the game.
Even in the disappointing 1-1 draw with West Ham at the London Stadium, Bailey caught the eye. With three key passes, six crosses and three shots, his creative ability and determination to provide chances for his teammates was made clear. [Sofascore]
Alongside this, a 100 per cent dribble success rate was a showcase of the best aspect of his game, while a 100 per cent ground duel completion ratio to match showed how he got the better of his marker throughout the 90 minutes.
Even going back to the recent wins against Luton and Nottingham Forest, Bailey’s presence in the side handed a new creative dimension to Unai Emery’s plans.
Racking up five key passes, one goal, one assist and seven dribbles across the two games, the Jamaican proved he can take results into his own hands and often provide game-changing moments.
Suppose the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea, as the winger mentioned, do hold an interest in his signature in the upcoming summer window. His performances this season will have done nothing to put them off, and Villa could find it tough to keep hold of the Jamaican this summer.
In other Aston Villa news, Paul Merson has rubbished Ollie Watkins’ England hopes.
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