Aston Villa have reportedly reached an agreement over personal terms with Jamaican winger Leon Bailey ahead of a summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.
According to a report from Football Insider, Aston Villa have taken another step closer towards signing Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen after striking an agreement over personal terms for the 23-year-old.
Bailey has been with Leverkusen since January 2017 after bursting onto the scenes in Belgium with KRC Genk. Disciplinary and fitness issues have, at times, held the Jamaican winger back, but there is no denying that the talent he possesses, which he showcased in the 2020/21 campaign, plundering 15 goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.
Bailey’s exploits seem to have gained him admirers from England, with both Aston Villa and Everton having shown an interest in signing the versatile winger. However, it is the Villans who are in the driver’s seat to sign the 23-year-old winger.
Indeed, reports earlier this week indicated that the Midlands outfit had submitted an offer for Bailey. Furthermore, it was also claimed that Bayer Leverkusen felt that the time was right for them to cash in on their winger in the ongoing transfer window, putting the Villans well on track to complete the transfer.
Now, there seems to have been another major development in the transfer story as Football Insider are claiming that Villa have managed to agree personal terms with Bailey’s camp, taking the deal a step closer. With the contractual agreement now seemingly sorted, Dean Smith & co. will now need to resolve the nitty-gritties involving the transfer fee with Leverkusen.
As per the report, the bid that Aston Villa submitted for Bailey was in the region of £30 million, whereas the Bundesliga giants are seeking a fee of at least £35 million for their prized asset. But, with all parties intent on getting the deal, a middle ground could be arrived at sooner rather than later.
The deal, should it go through without any hitches, would come at the right moment for Aston Villa. Despite their valiant efforts to hold on to captain Jack Grealish, there could be a good chance that the 25-year-old ends up leaving Villa Park following Manchester City’s latest offer of £100 million.
Irrespective of what happens with the Grealish situation, Bailey has the potential to be a top addition for Aston Villa. The 23-year-old will add more quality to the attacking unit, alongside fellow new signing Emiliano Buendia, as the Birmingham club chase qualification for European football.
