The latest transfer news as Aston Villa receive contact from Fenerbahce for an attacker.
Fenerbahce have reportedly initiated contact to sign Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa Park this summer.
Bailey, who scored just two goals in 38 appearances across all competitions last campaign, is on the chopping block. The 27-year-old had an outstanding 2023/24 season as he scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in 52 games, however he failed to carry such momentum into the term just gone.
Villa no longer need to sanction player exits to conform to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) following an agreed sale of the women’s team, but an effort still needs to be made to comply with UEFA’s squad cost rules (SCR). Although Bailey isn’t among the elite earners, getting his salary off the books could still help a great deal.
Fenerbahce ‘in talks’ to sign Bailey
Interest in Bailey was rife in the winter as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were linked, while Saudi Pro League club Neom SC were thought to be closing in on a swoop at the start of June. Speculation has cooled a little recently but the chances of an exit may have just been reignited.
Fenerbahce are the latest club to be linked and could offer Bailey an exit route. Foot Mercato reports the Turkish Super Lig club are now ‘in talks’ to sign the Jamaica international and are hopeful of completing a deal. Birmingham World understands Unai Emery has already given the green light for Bailey to leave this summer, so it’s feasible.
Having already signed Jhon Duran, Sofyan Amrabat, Archie Brown and Tarik Cetin this summer, Fenerbahce are on the march in the transfer market. Jose Mourinho’s side are determined to close the gap to Galatasaray after finishing second to their Istanbul rivals in each of the past three seasons.
Bailey, albeit low on confidence following a poor 2024/25 campaign, could help Fenerbahce achieve their goals. The 27-year-old, who joined Villa in August 2021 for a reported £25 million fee, has at times been one of the Premier League’s most feared wingers. If he’s able to rediscover his mojo, Bailey could shine at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Villa miss out on Marco Asensio
In other news involving both Villa and Fenerbahce, Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly close to reaching a full agreement to sell Marco Asensio. Birmingham World understands Villa held talks over signing Asensio permanently following a successful six-month loan but had to pull the plug on a potential deal due to high wage demands.
Fabrizio Romano reported last Friday that Fenerbahce were closing in on signing Asensio after the four-time Champions League winner accepted a contract proposal. Once PSG give the green light, the deal can go ahead. If it wasn’t for the ongoing and complicated SCR situation, Villa would’ve still been in the picture, so it’s a great shame.
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