Fenerbahce Will Reportedly Look To Sign 27-Year-Old Aston Villa Player On Loan: What Should The Lions Do? | OneFootball

Leon Bailey is going through a difficult time in his career. Since his arrival at Aston Villa in 2021, the Jamaican showed moments of his talent, but his consistency has faded over time. The 2024/25 season was particularly weak. With the arrival of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, he lost prominence and was relegated to a secondary role. He only played 2,072 minutes in 38 games, with just two goals and four assists. At 27 years of age, the winger needs to feel important again, and in this context appears the interest of Fenerbahce, who want to give him a new opportunity in Turkey.

According to Sporx, Fenerbahce have already opened talks with Aston Villa to sign the winger. The Turkish club are looking for a wide attacker to bolster their attacking front and have made Bailey one of their main targets. However, the Ottoman side’s plan is for a loan move, while Aston Villa are looking for an outright sale for between €25-30 million. Despite this, the Turks would be willing to pay the player’s wages. Fenerbahce have already made other signings this summer, such as Jhon Duran and Archie Brown, and do not want to miss out on this opportunity.

Opinion: Aston Villa must make a move with intelligence in the Bailey case

Aston Villa must think with a cool head. Asking for 25-30 million for a player with discrete numbers this season may be unrealistic. Bailey no longer fits into the team’s plans, and his departure seems inevitable. Although the ideal would be a sale that leaves cash for new additions, they should also consider the alternative of a loan. But only if it includes a mandatory buy-out clause.

Letting Bailey leave without long-term guarantees would be a repeat of past mistakes. A loan without a commitment would only postpone the resolution. If Fenerbahce do not budge, Villa would have to lower their financial demands somewhat and complete the transfer. Bailey needs to be a starter again, and Villa need to free up space. It is a case where both sides stand to gain from a clear solution. Keeping him in the squad would be stretching a story that already seems closed.