Speaking to Football Transfers, Leon Bailey’s agent and father, Craig Butler, has been discussing his client’s future.
Bailey arrived at Villa Park with plenty of fanfare last summer, but it’s fair to say that he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations so far.
Injuries hampered his debut campaign, while he’s not getting much of a look-in this season either under Steven Gerrard.
Understandably, Butler isn’t best pleased with his son’s situation, and he says that if things don’t change drastically in the coming weeks, the winger could move to Ajax after the Dutch champions showed an interest in the Jamaican.
What’s been said?
Butler spoke about his client’s future and current situation.
“Currently the system at Aston Villa is not using wingers, which puts Leon in a difficult position and threatens to derail his personal goals and objectives,” Butler said.
“We’re extremely big on loyalty in our academy, and we’re also cognisant that loyalty goes both ways. Many great players have come out of Ajax like Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] and so many others, and we are humbled by the interest shown and confidence they have displayed in his ability. That remains an important quality in a club for any player that wishes to achieve high goals.
“At this time no one would be happy not being able to contribute significantly to their club’s victories, but more so when the club is not winning. So while this is my opinion and I have love and respect for such a historically great club as Villa, I’m not happy a fit and high-performing Leon is being sidelined. If things aren’t going to drastically change Ajax could be an option.”
Stalling
Butler says that Bailey could leave Villa if things don’t change, and it’d be hard to blame the winger for wanting something new.
Bailey arrived in England as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, but since arriving in the Midlands, his career has been stalling.
The winger clearly harbours ambitions to be an elite-level player, but in a system that doesn’t suit him under a manager who seemingly doesn’t fancy him, he’s not being allowed to shine.
A move to Ajax could be just what the doctor ordered, and he could be a brilliant replacement for Antony as the Brazilian gets set to join Manchester United.
Bailey is certainly a player to keep an eye on in the coming days.
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