Aston Villa have confirmed reports that Leon Bailey has penned a new long-term contract.
The winger is currently in his third season at Villa Park since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in a £30m deal back in August 2021.
Bailey initially struggled to replicate the form that he had produced in the Bundesliga, his output in the final third leading to spells in and out of the team.
However, the Jamaica international is now regarded as one of the club's key players having starred since the arrival of Unai Emery.
A total of seven goals and six assists have come from 22 outings in the Premier League this campaign, taking him to 16 strikes and 15 assists from 87 outings in all competitions.
Emery hinted at a press conference on Friday that work was being conducted behind the scenes in order to ensure that Bailey remained at the club in the long term.
Aston Villa is pleased to announce that Leon Bailey has signed a new contract with the club! ✍️
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) February 12, 2024
Villa have now formally announced that the the 26-year-old had signed an extension to his previous terms, which were previously due to run until 2025.
The club have not stated the length of the contract, but it is expected to be to at least 2027 with a pay-rise in order to fend off interest from elsewhere.
Such a development comes as a boost to Villa at a time when they exited the FA Cup and lost three out of their most recent six Premier League fixtures.
A 2-1 reverse to Manchester United on Sunday has led to the Red Devils moving to within five points of fifth-placed Villa in the standings.
