Leon Bailey, 26, one of Aston Villa’s breakout stars, has revealed his interest in a move to the Premier League’s big six. Speaking on a podcast, Bailly revealed his dream, saying that no player would turn down a move to the big six.
“In England, there are clubs that call themselves the Big Six, and Arsenal and Chelsea are among them,” Bailey said on the podcast ‘Let’s Be Ernest’ on Feb. 22 (KST). It was, and still is, my dream to play in the Premier League. Who wouldn’t want to go to a big team, especially in Jamaica, and it’s a big deal for the country,” he said.
With Aston Villa in fourth place in the league this season and in contention for a UEFA Champions League (UCL) spot, Bailly’s performances have been very impressive. This season, Bailly has been following coach Unai Emery’s (52-Spain) instructions to a tee, cutting through opposing defenses from the right flank. He even scored the winning goal against Manchester City in the 15th round of the league to give Aston Villa a historic victory.
After three seasons of waiting for Bailly’s breakthrough, Aston Villa got what they wanted. With Bailey’s emergence, the club extended his stay by signing him to a long-term contract in January. But before the ink was dry, Bailey dropped a ‘bombshell’. He told a podcast that his goal was to play for a bigger club.
“I can shine more, and that’s always been my focus,” Bailey says. I want my story to shine a light on the country and its talent. It’s hard for us Jamaicans to even dream of making it to Europe,” he added. Coming from a soccer backwater, Bailey wants to see more Jamaicans make it to Europe.
“I don’t know how to answer the question about the Big Six transfer. I think I have to wait and see what happens. I’m just focused on Aston Villa, where I’m really enjoying my football and I’m having a 토토 career-high season. You never know what can happen in football. But at the moment I’m happy and comfortable at Aston Villa,” he added.
Bailey has been with Aston Villa since 2021 after playing for KRC Henk and Leverkusen. With his explosive pace and excellent dribbling ability, Bailey was coveted by big clubs after his breakout season at Leverkusen. However, Aston Villa won the battle of the big clubs, spending €30 million on his transfer.
After a disappointing spell at Aston Villa, Bailly rebounded under Emery’s tutelage. After picking up his game in the second half of last season, Bailly has 12 goals and 10 assists in 40 official games this season. Along with Ollie Watkins (28), he has been at the center of Aston Villa’s best season yet.