Craig Butler Gives Update on Leon Bailey’s Contract Negotiations with Aston Villa

Following reports that Jamaican footballer Leon Bailey was set to open contract talks with Aston Villa, his manager, Craig Butler, has given an update on the player’s new deal with the English club.

Bailey joined Villa in 2021, making the move from Bayer Leverkusen to the Birmingham-based club. At that time, Bailey signed an initial four-year deal with Villa for approximately £25 million.

Following Bailey’s exceptional performance at the end of 2023, the player is expected to receive a new lucrative deal with Villa that will see him become one of the club’s top earners. Speaking on Elite Sports TV, Butler shared the latest update on Bailey’s contract negotiations.

While he has not divulged specifics, Butler said he has renegotiated a “lovely contract” for Bailey, and the 26-year-old footballer is “good to go.” Butler further disclosed that the news of the new contract will be announced in the next few days.

In addition to noting that both Aston Villa and Bailey are happy with the details of the new deal, Butler also highlighted that an option remains for Bailey to transfer to a bigger team. The Phoenix Football Academy founder went on to address concerns about Bailey’s exclusion from recent matches.

According to Butler, Bailey was experiencing slight spasms in his back but is now okay. He said it was not so intense that Bailey could not play but explained that it is not unusual for a coach to rotate a player to allow him time to heal.

Highlighting one of Bailey’s most recent outstanding performances, Butler further expressed that he is proud to be both Bailey’s manager and father.

Watch the interview below.