Leon Bailey to Al-Ittihad
Verdict Delivered
This rumor DIED. It was dropped from the board after going quiet, last rated 8%.
| Move | Villa → Al-Ittihad |
| Outcome | Never happened |
| Rated at the end | 8% |
| Resolved | September 3rd |
Overtaken by Olympiacos. Fabrizio Romano reported at 13:38 UTC on September 2nd that the Greek club had reached a verbal agreement for a permanent transfer, that Villa had given the green light, and that Bailey was flying to Athens for a medical. Matt Maher confirmed in the Express & Star an hour later that Villa are negotiating a sale to Olympiacos. Al-Ittihad's route had rested on Bailey staying past the English deadline, which he did, and the Saudi window runs to September 6th, so it is not formally shut; but with the player travelling to sign elsewhere it is no longer the live option. Bailey has 12 months left on his contract and has not been in a Premier League matchday squad this season.
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. |
| September 2nd | Moved | Likelihood fell from 30% to 8% (cooling). Overtaken by Olympiacos. Fabrizio Romano reported at 13:38 UTC on September 2nd that the Greek club had reached a verbal agreement for a permanent transfer, that Villa had given the green light, and that Bailey was flying to Athens for a medical. Matt Maher confirmed in the Express & Star an hour later that Villa are negotiating a sale to Olympiacos. Al-Ittihad's route had rested on Bailey staying past the English deadline, which he did, and the Saudi window runs to September 6th, so it is not formally shut; but with the player travelling to sign elsewhere it is no longer the live option. Bailey has 12 months left on his contract and has not been in a Premier League matchday squad this season. |
| September 3rd | Verdict | Rumor died — dropped from the board at 8% |
Timeline since the rumor joined the board.