Leon Bailey exit hinges on external factor as Aston Villa sources speak out
Aston Villa will have to sell Leon Bailey before they can explore the possibility of signing Harry Wilson.
Bailey left Villa Park for Roma in August, but he returned to England after less than five months in Italy.
The Jamaican winger made 11 appearances for Roma across that time, with seven of those coming in Serie A.
The last month in B6 has shown that Bailey is well past his best, and Unai Emery may look to offload him in the summer.
And it has now become clear that Villa will have to if they want to sign Wilson on a free transfer.
Leon Bailey could be finished at Aston Villa – again
Bailey started in the 4-1 defeat to Chelsea last time out but struggled to make an impact, and it feels as though he just hasn’t got the quality Villa need out wide.
The Athletic have reported that multiple Villa sources believe they will sign a right-winger in the summer.
Fulham’s Wilson is of interest, but at this stage, recent speculation stems from the player’s camp being keen to explore and increase their options.
| Stat | Bailey |
| Appearances | 154 |
| Goals | 22 |
| Assists | 24 |
This would directly impact Bailey. In an ideal world that didn’t revolve around PSR, Emery would not have brought him back from Italy in January.
It was following the injury to John McGinn against Everton on 18 January that Bailey returned to play his part for the Villans.
If Emery’s side did intensify their interest in Wilson, whose contract at Fulham expires in the summer, then it would ultimately pave the way for Bailey to leave permanently.
That will be a tough ask, as Wilson’s form means he’ll attract several other clubs around Europe, but Villa can’t waste time in beginning negotiations with the Wales international’s representatives.
Why signing Harry Wilson should be Aston Villa’s number one priority
The 28-year-old has hit his prime this season, and his goal catalogue in the Premier League has been nothing short of phenomenal.
With nine goals and six assists, Wilson would be one of the signings of the summer for whichever club secures his services.
He’d be a perfect fit for Villa, playing on the right wing and cutting inside on his favoured left foot.
Once they can sell Bailey, Wilson should be the priority, because not only would he cost nothing, but he is proven at this level.
And it’s safe to say that he is certainly an upgrade on their current right winger.
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