Aston Villa must make sure contract talks with Leon Bailey don’t fall through after his impressive displays this season, with discussions over a new deal set to take place, according to The Athletic.
The news outlet reported on 4 January that, having entered the final two years of his current deal, the Jamaican is set to meet with the club to discuss the possibility of an extension.
It must be a priority for Villa to tie down one of their most impressive players this season to a new deal, or risk losing him on a cut-price deal if the opportunity was to arise.
Due in large part to Unai Emery’s strategy not use conventional wingers, Bailey began the season on the team’s outskirts but has since made his way into the starting lineup at Villa Park with a number of outstanding performances.
With eight starts and 10 substitute appearances, Bailey has averaged barely 48 minutes per game this season [Sofascore]. From his combined total of 11 goals and assists, he has contributed one goal every 78.5 minutes while wearing an Aston Villa shirt.
The Jamaican has three goals and two assists in his previous seven games, so if there were any concerns about making him a new contract offer, he made sure they were allayed.
In addition to scoring goals against Burnley, he also showed off his skills by completing two important passes, attempting four crosses and four dribbles, and participating in eight duels. All of these actions demonstrated his involvement in the game, especially in the attacking third.
Given his impressive form, which is sure to draw interest from abroad, Aston Villa needs to exert every effort to secure his long-term future in the West Midlands.
Not only have his performances been exceptional, but as Emery’s lone true winger, he offers something unique to the squad that can be advantageous both early in the game and as a substitute.
