Leon Bailey could complete out-of-window Aston Villa move after deal collapses

Al Ittihad and Diriyah Club have registered interest in signing Aston Villa outcast Leon Bailey.

The two Saudi Pro League sides have emerged as potential destinations for the 29-year-old winger.

The Jamaica international has not featured for Villa this season and has been heavily linked with a departure.

Hull City were chasing the winger and had agreed an £8million fee for Bailey. However, this was not completed before Tuesday’s deadline.

Villa are keen to part with the attacker, and sources have told Football Insider that Saudi Arabia has emerged as a likely solution in a post-window move.

Their transfer window does not close until 6 September, which could allow Bailey to depart Villa Park before the end of the week.

Al Ittihad and Diriyah Club eye Leon Bailey

Bailey was not short of suitors this summer.

On top of Hull City, the winger had also had talks with Trabzonspor and Celta Vigo over potential moves.

Now, it has emerged that both Al Ittihad and Diriyah Club have registered interest.

Both clubs could potentially meet Bailey’s wage demands, which caused issues with Hull City.

It has become very clear so far in the 2026-27 campaign that the attacker is not part of Unai Emery’s plans and has trained on his own at times.

However, it remains to be seen if either club are able to strike a deal for Bailey before their deadline on 6 September.

Bailey’s 2024 contract a massive Villa mistake

The decision to give Bailey a new contract back in 2024 has no doubt been a huge error.

The winger’s form has clearly collapsed since 2024, which resulted in his loan move to Roma last season.

Now, if Villa cannot find a buyer for him, they are stuck with Bailey until January, or even until the summer, when his contract expires.

This will take up unnecessary wages at the club, which could easily be spent elsewhere.

Therefore, Villa will be hopeful that they can find a new club for Bailey over the next week to finally solve this issue.

If not, Emery will have to face the reality of having an unhappy player in his squad for the foreseeable future.