Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is reportedly keen on a move to Hull City this summer, but the two clubs remain in discussions as they attempt to reach an agreement.
The 28-year-old has been a key option for Unai Emery since he arrived at the club, as he was critical to our progress in the 2023/24 campaign which was undoubtedly his best in a Villa shirt.
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However, Bailey has struggled in more recent seasons, which in turn led to a loan spell with Roma last year, and although that was cut short and he returned to play an important squad role in the latter stages of the season, the expectation remained that he would eventually move on, either on loan again or preferably in a permanent switch.
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According to HullLive, discussions are ongoing between Villa and Hull as the two clubs look to reach an agreement, but importantly, it’s added that the Jamaican international wants the move, and so that will be critical in trying to get this deal over the line.
It would be a move that suits all parties, as Hull would get an attacking reinforcement with the ability to make a vital impact on their return to the Premier League, Bailey would hope to secure a more prominent role having fallen down the pecking order at Villa, and we’d clear his wages, hopefully secure a decent fee and make space in the squad for a reinforcement of our own.
In turn, it’s hoped that we’re able to find an agreement with Hull, and the sooner the better as it will perhaps give us the financial flexibility that we need to continue our recruitment drive.
Villa have been busy in this summer transfer window already with the signings of Johan Manzambi and Joao Gomes, while speculation suggests that we could confirm the arrival of Alejandro Garnacho imminently.
While those are all critical additions in key positions to address exits of our own and to strengthen the squad as a whole, offloading Bailey and others to fund further spending will be fundamental in helping Emery build a squad capable of using last season’s success as a springboard for more.