Leon Bailey set to depart Aston Villa for Saudi Arabian outfit Neom SC
Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is reportedly on the verge of completing a sensational move to Saudi Arabian Pro League newcomers Neom SC, according to The Sun.
The Jamaican international, who joined Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2021 for a fee in the region of £27 million, has struggled with consistency during his time at Villa Park, despite flashes of brilliance and moments of attacking flair.
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Bailey has made over 146 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions.
Due to Villa's abundance of options in attack, Bailey was on the periphery for large spells of the recently concluded season, where he made just 14 Premier League starts.
Neom, one of the ambitious new additions to Saudi Arabia's rapidly growing top-flight league, have now submitted a formal offer worth around £25 million for the 27-year-old winger.
After cruising to the First Division title with 79 points from 34 matches, Neom are seeking significant reinforcements ahead of life amongst the elite.
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Bailey has already agreed to personal terms which would see him earn £10m per year, and the move is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
A switch to Neom presents an opportunity for Bailey to play regularly and display a glimpse of the potential that earned him a move to the West Midlands.
With Bailey on the verge of leaving and both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio both set to return to their parent clubs, Villa could be in the market for a new attacker and have been linked with a move for Harvey Barnes.
Unai Emery's side just about missed out on a place in the Champions League last time out, finishing behind fifth-place Newcastle United on goal difference.
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