Leon Bailey emerges as Al-Ittihad option before summer transfer window closes

Al-Ittihad are considering a move for Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey as they intensify their efforts to strengthen their attacking options before the summer transfer window closes.

The Saudi Pro League club are assessing whether to add a new wide player to their squad, with Bailey understood to be one of the names under consideration. According to the newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Ittihad believe the Jamaica international could offer the pace and European experience they are seeking in the final stages of their recruitment campaign.

Bailey, 29, has established himself at Aston Villa after previously making a significant impression during his time with Bayer Leverkusen. He also had a brief spell with Italian club Roma before moving to Villa.

The winger has made 163 appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions, scoring 23 goals and providing 25 assists. Those figures have helped place him on Al-Ittihad’s list as the club look for further attacking depth before the registration deadline.

No transfer agreement or formal move for Bailey has been confirmed. The report describes the player as an option being studied by Al-Ittihad’s management as they continue to work through their plans for the remainder of the summer window.

The club’s interest is not limited to Bailey. Colombia winger Yaser Asprilla, who plays for Girona, has also previously emerged as a candidate to strengthen Al-Ittihad’s attacking choices, according to the same source.

Asprilla’s name had already been included among the players being considered by the Saudi club before the summer transfer window closes. The club are therefore weighing more than one possibility as they seek to improve their options in the wide areas.

Bailey’s potential availability would give Al-Ittihad an experienced alternative with a substantial record at Aston Villa and previous exposure to European football through Bayer Leverkusen and Roma. However, the information currently available indicates that the club are still at the stage of evaluating their targets rather than announcing a completed deal.

The late focus on the attack reflects Al-Ittihad’s increased activity in the transfer market. With the registration period nearing its end, the club are continuing to search for reinforcements capable of adding speed, experience and greater variety to their forward line.

The possibility of Bailey joining Al-Ittihad would link the Saudi club with an Aston Villa player who has accumulated more than 160 appearances for the English side. For now, he remains part of a wider shortlist that also includes Girona’s Asprilla, with Al-Ittihad yet to confirm which attacking target they will pursue.