Primary Position – Left Winger

Other position(s) – Right Winger

Last season’s form – Games 30 / 9 goals 8 assists

Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1997, Bailey started out at the Phoenix All-Star Academy before signing his first professional contract with Slovakian side AS Trenčín in 2013. He then signed for Belgian side Genk in 2015 where he went on to make 64 appearances, notching eight goals. His impressive performances led to Bayer Leverkusen signing him for a fee of €20m in January 2017. In his first full season in the German top flight, he registered nine goals and six assists and was named in the Bundesliga team of the Season. His form dipped slightly over the next two seasons where he registered just a combined 10 goals but he found his best level again in 2020/21 notching nine goals and eight assists for the German side.

A left-footed player who is comfortable on either wing, Bailey spent the majority of last season playing on the right which allowed him freedom to cut inside onto his stronger foot. He created a chance every 45 minutes last season, a rate which is only bettered by Buendia amongst current Villa players. With all of Villa’s new signings, it remains to be seen what kind of role Bailey is given as Buendia also favours playing on the right. He will have had very limited training with the team ahead of the opening fixture against Watford and with so many new personnel around, the winger may need some time to adapt and acclimatise. A wait and watch approach is suggested initially and Buendia is probably a safer option at the same price. 

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