Soccer Football - Champions League - Round of 16 - Second Leg - Aston Villa v Club Brugge - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - March 12, 2025 Aston Villa's Leon Bailey celebrates after the match REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is set to seal a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League club Neom this week. Neom is a newcomer to the Saudi Pro League having earned promotion this season, and look to strengthen their squad with marquee signings ahead of their debut season in the top flight.
It appears the first of those signings will be the Villa forward, having agreed a few of £25 million. The Sun has reported that the player’s agents have already held initial discussions with the Saudi Pro League club and look to have secured the player a salary worth up to £10 million a year, tax-free.
The 27 year old Jamaican international was a key member of the Villa squad that qualified for the Champions League during the 23/24 season, scoring 10 goals and providing 9 assists in 35 Premier League appearances. He looked a frustrated figure this season though, falling out of favour under Unai Emery who has preferred emerging star Morgan Rogers and January signings Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
Bailey managed just 1 goal and 2 assists in 24 Premier League appearances, a stark contrast to the previous campaign.
He joined Villa in 2021 as an exciting prospect after impressing in 5 seasons in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen. Known for his pace and trickery, Bailey caught the eye for his ability to beat defenders one on one and create chances for his teammates.
He was a mainstay in the Villa side for much of his time at the club, but also suffered large periods on the sidelines through injury.
Bailey set for big money Saudi Arabia move
Bailey alongside Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez appeared emotional following Villa’s last home game of the season, a 2-0 victory over Tottenham on May 16. Bailey in particular was seen worshipping the Villa Park grass after the final whistle, crouching down for an extended period of time before slowly gathering himself to walk off.
It was seen as a foreshadowing of events after rumours of Aston Villa’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) issues began to circulate. Reports mentioned Martinez and Bailey as the most likely names to be offloaded, with the club allegedly needing to sanction at least one big sell before June 30th to balance the books.
Both players were linked to the Saudi Pro League, and it now appears those rumours are substantiated. Villa’s recent frugal transfer dealings suggest funds are indeed an issue, as two of their three January incomings were loans.
After selling Jhon Duran to Saudi club Al-Nassr for £64m early in January, Villa used just £21m of that sale to sign Donyell Malen from Dortmund. They then signed Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan until the end of the season with no buy clauses.
They have now signed young Ajax striker Zepiqueno Redmond as a free agent this summer, potentially in preparation for future departures.
About the Author
