Al-Ittihad’s plans to sign Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey have been complicated by interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Diriyah, with both teams competing for the Jamaica international during the summer transfer window.
Al-Ittihad had identified the 29-year-old as a possible replacement for French winger Moussa Diaby, following the club’s agreement to allow Diaby to join Bayer Leverkusen. Bailey has emerged as one of their leading targets as they look to reshape their attacking options.
However, The Athletic reports that Al-Diriyah have also registered an interest in Bailey. The Saudi club could now provide serious competition for Al-Ittihad, with the Saudi Pro League’s summer transfer window remaining open until 6 September.
Bailey’s future at Aston Villa remains uncertain. The winger is currently training on his own after falling out of manager Unai Emery’s plans. He has been made available for transfer during the current window, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
The Jamaica international had been linked with a move to Hull City, but that transfer did not go ahead after he was unable to reach an agreement with the English club over personal terms.
Bailey joined Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 and has made a significant number of appearances for the Premier League club. But his position in Emery’s squad has weakened, leaving him working separately from the first team while a possible move is considered.
If Al-Ittihad are unable to complete a deal for Bailey, their attention is expected to turn to Japan winger Ritsu Doan. The Eintracht Frankfurt player is also regarded as one of the club’s main attacking targets in the current transfer market.
Al-Ittihad confirmed on Tuesday that they had agreed to Diaby’s move to Bayer Leverkusen. The transfer is understood to be worth about 30 million euros, according to reports published earlier.
Diaby’s departure has increased the need for Al-Ittihad to recruit another wide player, but Al-Diriyah’s interest means they may now have to compete for Bailey’s signature. The Saudi transfer deadline gives both clubs more time to negotiate, although Bailey’s current status at Aston Villa could also influence how quickly a deal develops.
With Bailey training away from Emery’s first-team plans and his contract entering its final season, Aston Villa are prepared to consider offers for the winger. For now, however, it is Al-Ittihad and Al-Diriyah who are competing to determine his next destination.
