Aston Villa star Leon Bailey has now named Arsenal and Chelsea among his ‘dream’ transfer destinations in the Premier League despite recently signing a new contract.
The 26-year-old put pen to paper on new terms in February that could extend his stay in the Second City until 2027. His deal also features the option for another 12 months. Yet Bailey is open to admitting it would be big to sign for a ‘massive’ club like Arsenal or Chelsea one day.
Bailey signed for Aston Villa in August 2021 and is one of their key players under Unai Emery this season. He has featured in 40 of their 43 fixtures across all competitions, including 27 of their 28 Premier League matches. The winger has also influenced 23 goals in 2,319 minutes.
Leon Bailey assisted as Aston Villa beat Arsenal 1-0
Emery has seen Bailey score 12 times and assist 11 goals – including John McGinn’s as Aston Villa beat Arsenal in December. The Scotland midfielder lashed a strike beyond David Raya in the seventh minute once Bailey cut a ball back after successfully beating Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gabriel could not get close to Bailey after letting the Jamaican waltz into Arsenal’s area and create the only goal of the game. Bailey also scored Aston Villa’s winning effort as they beat Manchester City 1-0 in December. His strike deflected into the top corner of Ederson’s goal.
Leon Bailey admits he wants to join a ‘massive’ club
But while Bailey has Aston Villa dreaming about qualifying for the Champions League, he is thinking about the future. The forward admits he aspires to join a ‘massive’ club one day as it would shine a light on Jamaica. Bailey also names Arsenal and Chelsea as two giant clubs.
“You have big teams in England, they call themselves the big six.” Bailey has told the Let’s Be Honest podcast. “The Arsenals and the Chelseas, for example. It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League and I am right now.
“Who wouldn’t want to go to a massive team? Especially coming out of Jamaica. Do you know how big that is for the country? Especially being who I am, as well.
“It would shine more light and that has been my focus whenever overseas. It is to use my platform to be able to shine a light on the country and the young talents. It’s difficult for us Jamaicans to even make it to Europe.”
Bailey is currently one of seven Jamaican players in Europe’s top five leagues beside Amari’i Bell of Luton, Ethan Pinnock of Brentford, Michail Antonio of West Ham, Bobby De Cordova-Reid of Fulham, Shamar Nicholson of Clermont Foot and Trivante Stewart with Salernitana.