Agbonlahor: Bailey tipped for surprise Aston Villa role after news
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Dean Smith could utilise new Aston Villa signing Leon Bailey as a striker next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer insisted the Jamaica international was a “perfect” addition to the squad.
Villa confirmed yesterday (31 July) they had reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Bailey, subject to personal terms and a medical.
That is expected to be a formality after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 30 July they had agreed personal terms with Bailey.
This site first learned on 21 July the Midlands club had made contact with Leverkusen over a potential deal.
“100 per cent it's an exciting signing,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I said this at the end of last season, Villa do need another forward. Keinan Davis is a good prospect, Wesley’s not going to get the game time and doesn’t really offer Villa that pace.
“You can’t rely on Watkins to play 38 games and not get injured, it’s not fair on him.
“Bailey would be perfect, a top forward. He would add great competition in the squad and would allow Dean Smith to sometimes play two up front.
“It would be a great signing and one that I hope Aston Villa can get through.”
Bailey has scored 39 times in 159 games across all competitions for Bayer Leverkusen.
The 23-year-old scored nine times and provided nine assists in 30 Bundesliga games last season, including 25 starts.