Villa News exclusive as Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is in action while Unai Emery watches on from the dugout.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Mon 11 August 2025 17:40, UK
Leon Bailey may well find himself on the chopping block at Aston Villa this summer.
The Jamaican has struggled to replicate the form that saw him become such a huge threat in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign, and it’s possible that he could be on his way out of B6 in the next few weeks.
Aston Villa faced interest in Bailey from Fenerbahce earlier in the transfer window, but the Turkish giants never made a concrete bid for the winger.
The need for exits to free up money for Villa to spend has eased somewhat in recent weeks, but Bailey’s position at the club could still be under threat.
Leon Bailey Aston Villa
Bailey could be on his way out of Villa this summer (Credit: Imago)
This article includes exclusive comment from former Aston Villa scout Bryan King.
Aston Villa ‘to keep Bailey’ despite Besiktas approach
Bailey is now catching the eye of Besiktas, as the possibility of a move to the Super Lig looks likely to present itself once again.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have made an approach for the 28-year-old, according to journalist Matteo Moretto via X (5 August).
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The wideman is believed to command a sizeable wage at Villa Park, which provides Monchi and Co. with plenty of incentive to try and move him on.
Bailey notched 27 goal contributions for Villa in 2023/24
He followed that up with just six in all competitions last term
He has failed to replicate his form on either side of that one impressive season
However, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes that Bailey still has a role to play for the Villans, and feels that Besiktas may struggle to find the cash to buy him.
“It’s always good to have interest in players,” King said.
“But, you’re going to be talking anywhere between £25million and £40m for Bailey, and I’m not sure Besiktas have that kind of money.
“I wouldn’t sell him personally. He gives you that width and some pace. I would imagine this will have come from his agent.
“He’s one of those players who, with the World Cup coming up, needs to be playing regular football.”
https://x.com/MatteMoretto/status/1952810860172521817
Bailey is on borrowed time at Villa
Evann Guessand’s arrival has added another attacking option for Unai Emery, and surely reinforces the idea that Bailey’s days are numbered in the second city.
He has been an effective option for the Villans during his four-year stint, but there are now stronger options around him.
Donyell Malen has been impressive since his January move, and with Guessand now in the ranks as well, Bailey may find minutes hard to come by this term.
Emi Buendia has also returned from his loan and has looked sharp in pre-season, while the fact that Morgan Rogers seems destined to stay put for another window, at least, works to the detriment of the Jamaican.
With that in mind, even if his exit doesn’t take place in the next few weeks, it feels as though it could be even more likely by the time January comes around.
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