Leon Bailey leaving Aston Villa could trigger another major attacking move before the transfer window closes, with negotiations now taking place over the Jamaica international’s future.
Bailey’s agent Craig Butler has confirmed that several clubs are discussing a potential deal, while Hull City remain seriously interested.
Villa have wanted a permanent solution for much of the summer. ReadAstonVilla previously reported that the club were seeking between £12million and £20m for Bailey, rather than sanctioning another straightforward loan.
His exit could now have consequences far beyond simply reducing Unai Emery’s squad.
Leon Bailey exit could unlock Aston Villa transfer plan
Villa’s desire to strengthen out wide has been clear throughout the window.
Bailey has fallen down the attacking hierarchy, while Morgan Rogers’ £117m departure to Chelsea removed another major source of creativity and ball-carrying from Emery’s side.
Alejandro Garnacho has since arrived, but Villa have continued exploring additional attacking options.
That is where Bailey’s situation becomes important.
Earlier reporting around Villa’s winger search indicated that further additions could depend on departures. Bailey was among the obvious candidates capable of generating both a transfer fee and additional room on the wage bill.
The fact his representatives are now negotiating with several clubs therefore gives Villa a potentially important opening.
Hull remain one possibility, but Butler’s comments suggest Villa are no longer dependent on reaching an agreement with the newly promoted side.
More competition for Bailey should also strengthen Villa’s hand when negotiating the structure of his departure.
Could Aston Villa return for Allan?
One name worth watching is Palmeiras winger Allan.
Villa made an approach worth up to €30m for the 22-year-old last month, consisting of €25m guaranteed and another €5m in bonuses. Palmeiras rejected it.
Brazilian reporting indicated that Palmeiras would require around €45m before seriously considering a sale.
There is currently no evidence that Villa have submitted an improved offer.
But the previous approach establishes genuine interest, and Bailey securing a permanent move would give Emery’s recruitment team another reason to reassess their attacking options.
Allan would offer something Villa have repeatedly looked for: a young, direct attacker capable of operating from wide positions and carrying the ball towards defenders.
At 22, he would also fit the younger profile increasingly visible in Villa’s recruitment.
Villa can turn one exit into an opportunity
Villa have already completed significant business this summer and their latest moves show the rebuild is not finished.
Zion Suzuki is set to join after Villa reached an agreement with Parma, while the club also continue working on midfield and defensive targets.
Meanwhile, Emi Martinez’s situation changed again on Sunday after Juventus ended their pursuit.
Bailey could now become the next important piece of the wider transfer puzzle.
Villa do not have to sell him simply to buy Allan, and there is no guarantee they will revive that particular deal.
But securing the permanent exit they have wanted would create more flexibility for Emery as the final weeks of the window approach.
Bailey leaving Villa Park might therefore be only the first move.
What Villa choose to do with the opportunity it creates could be far more interesting.
