Granted, it is coming from The Sun, so there is a needed degree of skepticism, but Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey appears to officially be on the move from the club. By all means, PSR or not, it makes sense for Villa to move on from the Jamaica international.
Bailey has done well in the claret and blue. Through a combination of injuries and others stepping up, the attacking player is on the outside looking in, not even making the matchday squad on occasions, even when fit enough.
For him, a move to the Saudi League, specifically Neom SC, is an excellent opportunity for him to continue to play the game that he loves and earn consistent starting XI minutes. The knowledge of what such a contract would hold is certainly an aspect that would intrigue Bailey, depending on potential other clubs that would offer him.
The current AVFC player is someone who can still provide something for a side in the Premier League or in a different league's top flight. While it is objectively better for players of his ability to remain in the EPL, the current circumstance for him would see many Villa fans happy for Bailey.
A faithful soldier and someone who, even late on in the FA Cup semifinal against Crystal Palace, showed tremendous willpower and fight, his getting a massive contract and securing a place in the Saudi League, potentially for the rest of his career, would be anything but a sad goodbye from the club.
Positive path forward for Aston Villa and player
Villa's perspective would be to do right by Bailey while also helping to create a dent in the PSR challenge. AVFC needs to get under a certain threshold, and the Saudi-based teams are the ones willing to offer the most for all players.
Bailey will be missed at Villa, and the supporters will remain highly appreciative of what he did. This could be one of the rare instances where all sides win when an eventual deal becomes finalized.