Leon Bailey to Al-Ittihad
The Verdict Right Now
| Move | Villa → Al-Ittihad |
| In short | New Saudi suitor emerges |
| Last reported | September 1st (today) |
| Sourcing | Gold-standard reporting — an official statement or a top-tier reporter |
Al-Ittihad have joined Al Diriyah in exploring a move for Bailey, Jacob Tanswell reported September 1st, with Villa keen to move the 29-year-old on either tonight or before the Saudi Pro League's own deadline on September 6th, giving the Saudi side extra time to complete an agreement should either club proceed. Emery said ahead of Arsenal that Villa still expect him to leave -- "this is our objective" -- with Mbaye's arrival leaving no space in Villa's wide areas. Sevilla have separately opened loan talks (Tavolieri, August 30th) and Hull's interest has eased after signing two other wingers. Villa have dropped their asking price to €9m-10m for a permanent sale. Bailey has a year left on his contract; wages of ~£120,000 a week remain the obstacle.
Primary source: Jacob Tanswell (X) · last corroborated September 1st.
Related
How the Story Moved
| Date | What changed | |
|---|---|---|
| September 1st | Tracked | Rumor opened on the board at 30% (contact) — source: Jacob Tanswell (X). Al-Ittihad have joined Al Diriyah in exploring a move for Bailey, Jacob Tanswell reported September 1st, with Villa keen to move the 29-year-old on either tonight or before the Saudi Pro League's own deadline on September 6th, giving the Saudi side extra time to complete an agreement should either club proceed. Emery said ahead of Arsenal that Villa still expect him to leave -- "this is our objective" -- with Mbaye's arrival leaving no space in Villa's wide areas. Sevilla have separately opened loan talks (Tavolieri, August 30th) and Hull's interest has eased after signing two other wingers. Villa have dropped their asking price to €9m-10m for a permanent sale. Bailey has a year left on his contract; wages of ~£120,000 a week remain the obstacle. |
Timeline reflects our tracking history since the rumor joined the board, not every media mention. For everything Villa, live: the Verdict homepage.