Villa Bolster Attack
Aston Villa have secured the signing of 23-year-old Jamaican winger Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen for £25 million on a contract until 2025, the club announced on August 4, 2021. Bailey, who scored 28 goals and provided 26 assists in 119 Bundesliga appearances, is Villa’s third summer signing, following Emiliano Buendía (£33m from Norwich City) and Ashley Young (free from Inter Milan).
Manager Dean Smith praised Bailey’s “great pace and creativity,” adding, “We are now looking forward to watching him show his skills and talents for Aston Villa in the Premier League.”
Bailey’s Excitement
Bailey expressed enthusiasm about joining Villa, stating, “It’s a great club with a big history and it’s the right step for me. I’m excited to get started. It’s always been somewhere that I’ve wanted to play. I feel like now is the right time.”
With 10 caps for Jamaica and a standout 2020-21 season (9 goals, 9 assists in 30 Bundesliga games), Bailey aims to make an impact in the Premier League, which begins for Villa against Watford on August 14, 2021.
Strategic Move Amid Grealish Speculation
The signing comes as Villa brace for the potential departure of captain Jack Grealish, a £100 million target for Manchester City.
Bailey’s arrival, alongside Buendía and Young, signals Villa’s intent to strengthen their attack despite the uncertainty, with the club spending over £90 million in the transfer window, open until August 31, 2021.
The Premier League’s financial landscape, strained by Covid-19’s $18 billion global sports revenue loss, underscores Villa’s ambition to compete after finishing 11th in 2020-21.
Jamaican Talent Shines
Bailey’s move adds to the growing presence of Jamaican athletes globally, following Elaine Thompson-Herah’s Olympic 100m triumph in Tokyo on July 31, 2021.
His versatility, having played across the frontline for Leverkusen, aligns with Villa’s dynamic style under Smith. Posts on X in 2021 hailed Bailey as a “game-changer,” with fans excited for his pace to complement Ollie Watkins and Buendía.
Looking Ahead
As Villa prepare for the new season, Bailey’s integration will be key, especially if Grealish departs. His Bundesliga pedigree and international experience position him to thrive, potentially filling the creative void.
With the transfer window still open, Villa may pursue further signings, such as a midfielder to replace the injured Thomas Partey, to bolster their squad for a top-half finish.
