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Birmingham World spotted Leon Bailey send his biggest transfer hint yet after Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
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Leon Bailey was a ball of emotions after Aston Villa’s 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night, and not just because of the importance of the result in the Champions League fight.
As his jubilant teammates jumped on one another in the centre circle upon the full-time whistle, Bailey was alone, knelt down, and brushing the Villa Park turf. The Jamaican, despondent as he lifted himself off the ground, pointed to the sky and eventually began a slow meander down the tunnel.
It looked as if Bailey was trying to drink in the experience one last time with his future very much in doubt. He wasn’t the only one, either, as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, also away from the main group of celebrating Villa players, was in tears for several minutes and appeared to be saying his farewells to the Villa Park faithful.
Head coach Unai Emery refused to rule out departures for the pair during his post-match press conference, instead shifting the focus to the next game away at Manchester United. “We will see about the team, the players, but of course, they are responding on the field at the moment,” Emery said.
“They are responding and are focused on how we are preparing and playing each match. Of course, Leon Bailey is playing less because I know everybody is responding very well. They are performing well. And we are going to play Manchester for the last three points. And for us it will be very important again, to prepare, to be focused everybody.
“And of course, then we will see about everything, how we are going to try to get better for the next season, coming back.”
Will Leon Bailey leave Aston Villa this summer?
Bailey’s future has been uncertain for a while now, but his reaction after the Spurs win says everything. That wasn’t a man who believes he’ll be at the club next season. He looked as if he had accepted defeat.
It’s such a shame it’s ended up this way as Bailey has enjoyed some brilliant moments with Villa. Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen for around £25 million in 2021, the winger has contributed 22 goals and 24 assists in 144 appearances. His 10 goals and nine assists in the Premier League last season were pivotal to Villa qualifying for the Champions League. That involvement won’t be forgotten by Villa fans.
The time may be right to say goodbye, however, as there’s strong interest from the Saudi Pro League and across Europe. Spurs have shown an interest in the past, too, while Manchester United held talks over signing the winger at the end of the winter transfer window.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Man Utd return for Bailey, but the Jamaican’s emotions are a clear enough signal that he’s set to be on the move to somewhere or other. The Red Devils are set for a squad overhaul this summer and could be tempted to sign Bailey if the price is right.
There’s also the Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR) aspect, too. Villa are currently under pressure to make at least one significant sale to avoid breaching PSR and Bailey could be sacrificed.