Leon Bailey set for ‘life-changing’ £10m-a-year Aston Villa exit within days
Aston Villa are preparing for a different transfer window than they initially would have hoped, after missing out on Champions League football.
In the final game of the season, the Villans fell to a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United that was full of controversy, and left Unai Emery’s men finishing sixth in the table.
Now, Villa are set to make less money and with PSR regulations proving to be difficult too, some sales are likely to be made this summer.
Leon Bailey is one name on that list, after a disappointing campaign in the West Midlands.
Bailey set for Aston Villa exit
Although previously a key player at Villa Park, Bailey has fallen out of favour of late, due to the emergence of Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford.
Having been hit by injuries too, the 27-year-old’s impact has been limited, falling further down the pecking order.
Therefore, as Aston Villa look who they can sell on this summer, Bailey has been identified as someone who can exit, with a deal on the horizon.
According to the Sun on Sunday (1 June, page 57), the Jamaican is set to make a “life-changing” move to Saudi Arabia this week.
The report states that the forward has been the subject of a £25million offer from Neom, where he could earn up to £10million a year tax-free.
Initial discussions between the Saudi side and Bailey’s agent have already taken place and a deal is expected to be agreed imminently.
Bailey sale makes sense for Aston Villa
There is no doubt that in the past, Bailey has been a top performer for Aston Villa, but as Emery moves his side forward, it’s clear he is not at the forefront of those plans.
The 27-year-old is a player who is now declining, which makes it worth Villa cashing in at this stage when they need the money from the sale.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 24 | 1 | 2 |
The blow of not achieving a top-five finish will be felt throughout the entirety of Villa’s summer transfer window, but deals like this will surely minimise the difficulties that are going to be faced.
Emery’s side will be eager to push further up the Premier League table next term, while also having the opportunity to win the Europa League, meaning only the strongest players can be in place.