Aston Villa are reportedly in talks to sell a £40m-rated player along with Jacob Ramsey in the summer transfer window, with manager Unai Emery ready to move him on.
Ramsey’s spell with the Villans is reaching its conclusion this summer, in a decision that could arguably split opinion, considering he is a talented player who is still relatively young. The English midfielder is heading to Newcastle United in a move that could eventually be worth £43m, as he seals a move to one of Villa’s Premier League rivals.
It remains to be seen if selling Ramsey is the right decision, but if he isn’t deemed a key starter moving forward, cashing in on him and generating funds for other signings before the end of the current transfer window makes sense.
Now, it looks as though Villa have also sanctioned the exit of another established player this summer, following a significant update regarding his future.
Aston Villa in talks to sell £40m ace
According to a new report from The Boot Room, Aston Villa are in talks with Roma over the signing of winger Leon Bailey, with journalist Graeme Bailey adding that Emery is happy for him to leave.
“Bailey is that one player who Villa have been looking to move on all summer. Unai Emery has not been happy with his progress since he signed his new deal in 2024 and that is a big reason. Villa and Emery want Bailey out the door, he is not staying and won’t play for the club again. They also want him out now as it will give them a chance to spend that money in this window.”
This feels like the right time for the £40m-rated Bailey to leave Villa, especially as Emery doesn’t consider him an important part of his plans moving forward.
The 28-year-old only started 14 of his side’s 38 Premier League matches last season, showing that he was invariably considered more of a squad player, and that seems unlikely to change in 2025/26.
Bailey also isn’t getting any younger now, so to potentially receive £40m for him, or an amount around that figure, could ultimately be too good to turn down.
If he does depart before the end of this month, he will be remembered as a gifted player who contributed plenty, scoring 22 goals and registering 24 assists, but also one who didn’t always manage to find great consistency in his game.
