EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Aston Villa are ready to hand star forward Leon Bailey a new and improved contract at the club, HITC Football understands.
With six goals and five assists in the Premier League this season for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, the Jamaican forward has been a revelation at Villa Park.
After joining the club in the summer of 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen, the pacey forward endured a slow start to life in the Midlands, but this season Bailey has exploded into life as Emery’s side find themselves potentially in the title picture.
He has been truly exceptional for Villa this season and it is hardly a surprise that they are keen on tying down the forward to a new long-term deal.
Villa impressed with Bailey
Well, the forward has just 18 months left on his contract at the club but sources understand that Villa have made it very clear to Bailey and his representatives that they want to proceed with talks over a new deal in the New Year.
The club are keen to tie him down to a new deal with Villa understandably not keen on running the risk of allowing the forward to be in the last year of his contract in the summer, with his contract up in 2025.
As mentioned, Bailey has enjoyed an outstanding campaign and Emery is very happy with his performances and has green-lit the decision to open talks with the club’s footballing president Monchi, who is looking to broker the deal.
Bailey’s superb performances
After really exploding into life this season, it’s understandable why Villa are so keen on tying down the forward to a new deal.
Had the Midlands side not opened talks with the forward, it leaves the risk of other clubs in the Premier League and in Europe sniffing around and potentially putting forward an offer of their own to the 25-year-old.
Staying at Villa with Emery is certainly the smart decision with the club currently going from strength to strength in the league.
Extending his stay at Villa Park is a no-brainer for Bailey.
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