Aston Villa are preparing to offer Leon Bailey a new contract, with Dan Bardell believing his performance this season warrants a better deal.
Fabrizio Romano (5 February) reported that a verbal agreement had been reached for the Jamaican international to sign a new long-term contract at Villa Park, with the paperwork expected to be finalized sooner rather than later.
The 26-year-old’s new contract will not only extend his tenure with Unai Emery’s side, but will also provide him with a greater salary following his outstanding Premier League season as Villa compete for a Champions League spot.
Bardell believes Bailey has done well to come through what has been a “difficult ride” for the winger with the Villans since he sustained injuries.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “He deserves a lot of credit for how he’s turned things around. He seems a little adrift over the last two years. I’ve always believed there was a decent player and something in Leon Bailey, but I wasn’t sure it would ever come out at Villa Park.
“But, to be fair, he’s knuckled down this season and has always let Unai Emery know he’s there, even when he hasn’t always been on the team. When he starts games, he’s been Villa’s best player in the last six weeks and their most dangerous attacking option.
“I still think there’s levels to go for him, he needs to find a level of consistency. I think he’s found that to an extent, but there is another level to go for him, but he’s chipped in with important goals this season.
“It’s been really pleasing to see how he’s come through because players do adapt to different leagues at different times. He suffered with injuries badly in his first season, so it’s been a difficult ride for him at Villa. But he’s done really well and he deserves that new contract.
“If you asked Villa fans last season to name their best 11, I don’t think many would have put Bailey in there. But if you asked the same question now, every Villa fan probably puts him in their team.”
Leon Bailey continues to impress at Aston Villa.
Bailey has had a really impressive season so far, scoring some key goals that have helped his team collect three points, prompting the club to offer him new terms.
The Jamaican now appears to have sealed down a spot as one of the first names on the teamsheet, and he’ll be hoping to keep making an impact over the coming several months.
The winger’s attacking effect on the team might make a difference in where they finish this season, as he wants to assist Ollie Watkins in scoring goals to ensure a successful year at Villa Park.
In other Aston Villa news, Unai Emery may have contacted his former club after a Villa player exit was announced.
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