Leon Bailey offered to Ajax as Aston Villa eye cut-price exit

Leon Bailey has reportedly been offered to Ajax as Aston Villa look to find a permanent solution for the Jamaica international before the transfer window closes.

The 29-year-old is open to leaving Villa Park and has entered the final year of his contract, potentially making him available for around €9m to €10m as Villa attempt to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.

According to De Telegraaf, Ajax are considering Bailey as they search for a replacement for Mika Godts following his €55m move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Ajax have previously been presented with an opportunity to sign Bailey, having considered the winger around a year ago without pursuing a deal.

The situation is different this time.

Godts' departure has created a vacancy in the Ajax attack, and Bailey is now among several candidates being considered by the Amsterdam club.

De Telegraaf reports that the winger has been offered to Ajax, although it is unclear whether that approach came directly from Aston Villa or Bailey's representatives.

His agent is nevertheless understood to be actively searching for potential destinations, with both the player and Villa in favour of finding a transfer.

Bailey's position at Villa has changed considerably over the past year.

He joined Roma on a season-long loan last summer, with the Serie A club holding an option to make the transfer permanent. Injuries prevented him from establishing himself in Italy, restricting him to 318 minutes across 11 appearances.

Villa subsequently cut the loan short in January and brought Bailey back to England.

His agent said at the time that Unai Emery's side needed the winger, but regular opportunities remained difficult to secure. Bailey managed 539 minutes across 19 appearances, contributing one goal and one assist.

With his contract now entering its final year, another temporary solution would do little to resolve Villa's longer-term position.

A permanent departure therefore appears increasingly realistic, particularly at the reported €9m to €10m valuation.

For Villa, selling this summer would ensure they receive a fee rather than risk Bailey leaving as a free agent in 2027.

Ajax could meanwhile acquire an experienced attacker with Bundesliga, Premier League and Serie A experience for a relatively modest fee after receiving substantial funds from the sale of Godts.

Bailey previously impressed in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen before moving to Aston Villa, and a switch to the Eredivisie could provide the regular first-team role that has been difficult to secure recently.

Ajax must decide whether Bailey represents the right replacement for Godts or whether to pursue one of the other attacking options on their shortlist.

Villa's contractual position could help negotiations, with both club and player reportedly open to parting ways. A permanent agreement before the deadline would finally provide clarity after Bailey's unsuccessful Roma loan and limited opportunities following his return to Villa Park.

Would Leon Bailey be smart business for Ajax at around €10m, or should they target a younger replacement for Mika Godts? Have your say.