Leon Bailey’s transfer away from Aston Villa has suffered another major setback after Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović confirmed the proposed move is currently off. Bailey had appeared close to completing a switch to the newly promoted Premier League side, but Hull have now publicly cast serious doubt over whether the deal will happen.
The Jamaica international has been discussing a move to Hull for several weeks as Unai Emery reshapes his Aston Villa squad.
ReadAstonVilla reported last week that Bailey was expected to undergo a Hull City medical after negotiations moved forward again.
That optimism has disappeared.
Jakirović has now confirmed to BBC Radio Humberside that Bailey’s proposed transfer is currently off, with the Hull boss describing the negotiations as “a bit of a mess”.
Leon Bailey transfer suffers another major setback
Bailey’s future has already taken several twists this summer.
Hull initially appeared to be closing in on the winger before negotiations stalled. The deal was then revived and Bailey was expected to complete medical checks as the two clubs attempted to finalise his departure.
Jakirović’s latest comments put the move back in serious doubt.
Speaking about the situation on Wednesday morning, the Hull manager also suggested he does not want to have to convince a player to join his squad, raising further questions over whether negotiations can be revived.
Villa are open to moving Bailey on as Emery continues to reshape his attacking options.
The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his contract and has fallen down the attacking hierarchy following an inconsistent period at Villa Park and a loan spell with Roma.
His departure could also have consequences for Villa’s remaining transfer business. ReadAstonVilla previously reported that another winger is on the club’s agenda once space is created in the squad.
Alejandro Garnacho has already arrived this summer, but Villa have continued assessing further attacking additions.
For now, Bailey remains an Aston Villa player.
A transfer which once appeared close enough for a medical has instead been plunged back into uncertainty, leaving Villa with another outgoing deal to resolve before the window closes.
