Jamaica’s national winger, Leon Bailey has made his move to the English Premier League official.
Bailey, 23, formally ended his five-year tenure with Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night at the Phoenix All-Stars Academy in Kingston, where he signed his contract with Aston Villa.
The Reggae Boyz player is Villa’s third signing of the summer after the arrival of Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City and Ashley Young from the Italian side Inter Milan.
Before Villa agreed on a fee, Leon Bailey outlined ambitious plans for his own career, saying: “One hundred percent, I’m totally ready for the next step.
“I’ve been working hard to be able to reach where I am today. I feel like I’m at an age and point in my life where I feel like I’m ready for the next step.
“I feel like I need a new challenge so anywhere where it’s a good opportunity for me to really showcase myself and work hard.”
Aston Villa reportedly spent £30 million for the player after he had his greatest season with the club, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists in all competitions last season. Bailey scored a total of 28 goals in 119 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen.
Bailey said in a press conference on Tuesday that he is excited to continue his career with the club and that he is motivated to learning and progressing as a player.
“I’ve had a lot of interaction with the coach (Dean Smith), and the club, and it was always vibes, good energy, so I am excited to be there,” he said. “I am looking forward to the experience and to learn.”
Reports said talks moved ahead quickly for Bailey who had previously been valued at £60 million amid interest from Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City.
On August 14, Aston Villa will face Watford in the Premier League opener.
