Leon Bailey’s Future at Aston Villa Called into Question

Kedean BrownSeptember 4, 2023

Following Aston Villa’s 3-0 defeat on Sunday in their Premier League match against Liverpool, some football fans have questioned the future of Reggae Boy Leon Bailey at the club. There have been speculations during the transfer window in the media whether or not Bailey would still be at the club at the end of the window, especially after the signing of Moussa Diaby who plays in a similar position as Bailey.

Bailey, who was excluded from the starting eleven, entered the game as a substitute after Diego Carlos was injured during the first half of the match. Bailey was later replaced in the 65th minute, and clearly not pleased to be substituted off the field, he chose not to take a seat on the bench and opted to walk down the tunnel.

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Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery explained Bailey’s removal as a tactical decision, but his choice has left some fans questioning how secure the player’s future is at Villa. Bailey’s removal was deemed embarrassing by many and is one of several signs fans have called clues that the 26-year-old’s position at the club may be in jeopardy.

While Bailey did not secure a goal during his time on the field, his performance was not viewed as the worst, which begs the question of why he was the first to be substituted by Emery. Another possible hint that all is not well for the Jamaican footballer is his exclusion from not only Emery’s starting eleven on Sunday but Villa’s previous Premier League starting eleven as well.

Bailey was not only excluded from the starting lineup, but John McGinn and Matty Cash, players known for different positions, were used to start in Baily’s position despite his recent good performance and goals for Villa. Bailey scored in two consecutive games in August to help Villa secure wins against Everton and Scottish club Hibernian.

In addition to his exclusion, Aston Villa fans have also seemingly been turning against the player, expressing negative and unfavourable responses to his presence on the team via social media. A drastic change from the welcome he received when he first joined the club in 2021.

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