After a tricky start to his Villa career, hampered by both injury and indifferent form, Leon Bailey has developed into an important member of Unai Emery’s squad.

Having arrived for big money (25m) in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen of the Bundesliga, Villa were crying out for the Jamaican international to hit the ground running. It hasn’t always been straightforward, but Bailey has certainly caught the eye this season with a string of eye-catching contributions. Indeed, ten of his sixteen goals for the club have come this term.

Bailey was arguably a bit of a head-scratcher, with the winger having all of the attributes necessary to hurt defences in the Premier League. Emery’s patience has paid off though, with Villa moving to ensure that he didn’t enter the final year of his deal and with it risk losing him to a rival.
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There had been rumours that Bailey’s availability was being closely monitored by a number of sides across Europe and particularly cash-splashing Saudi side Al-Nassr. Al-Nassr, of course, is the current home of the seemingly immortal Cristiano Ronaldo.

It’s understood that despite several suitors, the progress of both club and player meant that Bailey was happy to remain at Villa Park. Whilst unconfirmed, it is thought that the new contract extends the current deal until at least 2028.

The 26-year-old, who started his career with Genk in Belgium, is now entering the prime of his caree...