Aston Villa, Unai Emery, Leon Bailey
(Credit: Imago)
Mick Brown
Tue 15 July 2025 10:54, UK
Unai Emery plans to sign a new right-winger as he plans to strengthen his Aston Villa squad this summer, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Sunderland and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Emery has instructed his recruitment team to identify options in that position.
This comes amid speculation surrounding the future of Leon Bailey, while there are concerns at Villa Park that they have been lacking in that position for too long.
Brown told Football Insider in February that Villa are looking to move Bailey on in the summer as he is no longer part of the manager’s long-term plans.
The right-hand side was a constant source of frustration for Emery last season, and he is now keen to bring in a star player to nail down his position.
As a result, Brown told Football Insider that Emery is pushing to sign Barcelona’s Ferran Torres and has spoken to contacts in Spain about the deal.
Leon Bailey Aston Villa
Aston Villa could cash in on Leon Bailey this summer. (Credit: Imago)
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Aston Villa to cash in on Leon Bailey as replacement lined up
Football Insider exclusively revealed in April that Villa want to sell Bailey and replace him with a new wide forward as they aim to strengthen their squad.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Emery is setting out his summer priorities and could cash in on players before bringing any in.
“*The manager and his recruitment team are looking to strengthen the squad,*” he told Football Insider.
“That right-winger position has been one they’ve been looking to strengthen in for a while.
“Last season, they struggled to find a consistent option there so they were rotating and also relying on the right-back to overlap to add to the threat.
“So that’s going to be one of the priorities for Unai Emery to strengthen this summer.
“Leon Bailey can play there and had been the main option in that position, but from what I hear they’re not sure he’s the right one long-term.
“If offers come in for him, I think they’ll be listening to them and seeing if they can move him on.
“That will allow them to spend bigger on whoever they do get in that position.”
Aston Villa
Unai Emery is determined to improve his Aston Villa squad. (Credit: Imago)
Conor Gallagher race hots up after source’s ‘£50m’ reveal
A new right-winger is not the only player on Emery’s radar this summer as he continues to put plans in place to strengthen his squad in the transfer window.
Football Insider revealed on 14 July that Aston Villa are interested in signing Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and have joined the race for his signature.
A number of English clubs are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation in case Ateltico Madrid make him available amid speculation he could leave Spain.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 13 July that Atletico will demand £50million to sell Gallagher amid growing interest from Newcastle.
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