Leon Bailey heads to Olympiacos after late Saudi Pro League interest

Olympiacos have reached a verbal agreement to sign Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey, ending hopes that the Jamaica international would move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.

The Greek club made a late intervention to secure the deal, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, after Bailey had emerged as a target for both Al-Ittihad and Al-Diriyah.

Romano said Olympiacos had reached an agreement in principle with Aston Villa for Bailey to join on a permanent transfer. The winger is expected to sign a three-year contract running until 2029.

Bailey is travelling to Athens in the coming hours to undergo a medical before completing his move to Olympiacos.

Romano posted on social media:

“🚨🔴⚪️ EXCLUSIVE: Olympiacos reach verbal agreement for surprise deal to sign Leon Bailey, here we go!Permanent move from Aston Villa and contract until June 2029. Green light to proceed from#AVFC.Bailey, on his way to Athens now for medical tests.pic.twitter.com/OI0e0jiVeR”

Bailey had been regarded as a possible addition for Al-Ittihad as the Saudi club looked for a replacement for French winger Moussa Diaby. Diaby completed his move to Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

Al-Ittihad will now turn its attention towards another target, with Japan international Ritsu Doan understood to be among the club’s leading options during the current summer transfer window. Doan is currently with German club Eintracht Frankfurt.

Bailey, 27, joined Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen and has been part of the club’s Premier League squad. His proposed move to Olympiacos means the Saudi Pro League has missed out on another potential signing from the English top flight.

The Saudi league has nevertheless recruited a number of high-profile Premier League players during this summer’s transfer window. Those signings include Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, England forward Ollie Watkins and Brazil international Gabriel Martinelli.

The late approach from Olympiacos has therefore changed the course of Bailey’s expected transfer, with the player now set to complete his move in Greece rather than continue talks over a switch to Saudi Arabia.