DEAN SMITH HIT GOLD WITH 2021 ASTON VILLA DECISION AS UNAI EMERY MAKES BIG CALL
HITC Football has learned that Aston Villa is prepared to offer Leon Bailey a new contract, proving that Dean Smith struck gold when he acquired the winger from Bayer Leverkusen.
This season, the 26-year-old has led Aston Villa up the Premier League table with an enthralling performance thus far.In his 18 games, Bailey has five assists in addition to six goals. despite the fact that manager Unai Emery has only started the Jamaican in eight games.
Now, HITC Football understands that Aston Villa are keen to reward Bailey’s form with a new and improved contract. The Birmingham outfit have made it clear to the Kingston native and his representatives that they want to now hold discussions over a new deal to tie him down.
Aston Villa want to negotiate a new contract with 
Bailey is only 18 months away from finishing the £100k-per-week contract he signed when he came from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2021. However, Aston Villa is hesitant to let him finish out the remaining year on the contract. Emery has also given his approval to the idea of talking about a new contract.
Bailey’s performance thus far this season has Emery quite pleased. Thus, the manager has authorized Monchi, the Villans’ president of football operations, to have conversations with the winger’s agents. Monchi is currently attempting to mediate the Jamaican’s deal.
Emery backing Aston Villa’s decision to debate a new contract with Bailey also shows Smith hit gold with the winger’s transfer in 2021. The Villa Park outfit paid Bayer Leverkusen £25m for the forward as an exciting Bundesliga gem. But his start in the Premier League was slow.
Dean Smith hit gold with Leon Bailey’s transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021
Injury problems helped to restrict Bailey to only 18 games during the 2021/22 campaign, in which he also scored just one and assisted two goals. The departure of Smith and arrival of Steven Gerrard in charge failed to improve his return, either. But Emery has Bailey thriving.
Bailey only scored once and assisted two goals in six top-flight games under Smith. Gerrard would also only see him score once and assist once through 22 games. But the forward has so far offered Emery eight goals plus seven assists through 39 Premier League matches yet.
Aston Villa have Smith to thank for Bailey’s transfer and those of Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz. But the coach was not as successful with moves for Wesley Moraes, now at Stoke City, or Bertrand Traore. Emery has played Traore twice for nine minutes in the league this term.
However, Smith struck gold when he partnered with Bailey, and Aston Villa is now eager to give the winger a new contract in recognition of his potential. The tactician, who is currently in charge of Charlotte FC of the Major League Soccer, lauded Bailey’s potential in Germany after he joined from Bayer Leverkusen.
According to Smith, via Aston Villa’s website, “Leon is a hugely exciting young striker with great pace and creativity.” He has had a prosperous professional career with Leverkusen. And now we’re excited to watch him showcase his abilities in the Premier League for Aston Villa.
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