Leon Bailey promises to bring ‘flair’ as Aston Villa complete major signing
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Jamaica international winger Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen.
After announcing at the weekend that they had agreed a deal for Bailey, the transfer has now gone through. He completed a medical and signed his contract after agreeing personal terms to put the finishing touches to the transfer. His contract at Villa Park will run until 2025.
It has been reported that the fee Villa have paid for Bailey is in the region of £30m. For a 23-year-old with Champions League experience, it could be a very good investment.
Bailey has been with Bayer Leverkusen since 2017, scoring 39 goals in 156 games. Prior to that, he scored 16 goals in 77 matches for Genk.
Now, the 10-cap Jamaica international will get his first taste of Premier League football with Villa, who have had a productive summer so far. Bailey joins Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young as a headline signing.
The caveat for Villa is that captain Jack Grealish may leave for Manchester City, but the arrival of Bailey should help offset some of that potential disappointment.
One man who is excited for Bailey’s arrival is Villa head coach Dean Smith. He told the club website: “Leon is a hugely exciting young striker with great pace and creativity.
“He has enjoyed a successful career at Leverkusen and we are now looking forward to watching him show his skills and talents for Aston Villa in the Premier League.”
Leon Bailey discusses Aston Villa move
The player himself also spoke about the move, insisting it is the right step for his career.
He said: “For me, 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 and I’m excited about it.
“Hopefully I can do what I do best and have a great season in the Premier League.”
Outlining what to expect, he added: “I like to give assists and I like to score, that’s always been me. I like to score and be the one who gives the pass in a decisive moment and not be selfish.
“I’m not always thinking about scoring, I’m more so thinking about the team. Whichever situation we’re in, I try to adapt to it and better the team.
“If there’s an opportunity for me, I’ll take it. If there’s someone in a better position, I’ll make the pass and get the assist.
“I’m a flair type of person, I like to entertain the fans, do my tricks, use my speed and make life difficult for defenders.”
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