Bailey's About to Cash In Big Time - Villa's £25m Saudi Payday

By Lewis Barnett 1 June, 2025 5 mins read 106 Views

Well, this one caught me off guard.

Leon Bailey is basically packing his bags for Saudi Arabia, and honestly? Good for him. The guy's about to make bank - we're talking £25 million to Neom (yeah, that new Saudi club that's throwing money around like confetti at a wedding). His agents are already deep in talks, and from what I'm hearing, Bailey's looking at £10 million a year. Tax-free. Let that sink in for a second.

I remember watching Bailey tear it up when Villa first qualified for Champions League football back in 2023. Guy was electric. Now he's basically persona non grata under Emery, and it's not even entirely his fault.

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When Everything Goes Sideways

Here's the thing that gets me - Bailey was genuinely crucial to Villa's Champions League push. Then Morgan Rogers exploded onto the scene (kid's got serious talent), Marcus Rashford rocked up from United, and suddenly Bailey's fighting for scraps. Add in those annoying little injuries that just wouldn't go away... man, what a mess.

The 27-year-old Jamaican international went from hero to bench warmer faster than you can say "squad rotation." Only managed two goals in 38 games this season. Ouch.

Martinez Crying His Eyes Out (And What It Means)

But Bailey's not the only one with one foot out the door.

Emi Martinez was literally in tears after Villa's last home game. I mean, proper waterworks in front of the Holte End. You don't do that unless something's up, right? The guy's 32, World Cup winner, and suddenly everyone from Man United to Barcelona wants a piece of him.

His contract runs until 2029, but £40 million would sort out Villa's PSR headaches real quick. Sometimes football is just brutal like that.

Emery Playing His Cards Close

When journalists pressed Emery about Bailey and Martinez's futures, he gave them the classic manager non-answer: "Now we are focused on the matches we are playing. It is the last match here I don't know, we will see."

Translation: "Stop asking me awkward questions when I'm trying to keep this squad together."

Poor Unai's got a massive summer ahead of him. Rashford's already gone back to United (though apparently he hasn't completely ruled out returning - negotiations are "delicate" according to my sources). Villa missed out on Champions League qualification by the skin of their teeth, and now key players are eyeing the exit.

The Saudi Money Machine Keeps Rolling

Look, I get why Bailey's tempted. £10 million a year to play football in Saudi Arabia? That's generational wealth we're talking about. The guy's 27 - he's got maybe 4-5 prime years left, and one injury could change everything.

Neom's the new kid on the Saudi Pro League block, and they're clearly not messing around with their first signings.

Villa fans won't be thrilled, but honestly? This feels inevitable. When a player falls this far out of favour and someone waves that kind of cash around... well, you do the math.

The deal should be wrapped up this week, assuming nothing goes sideways at the last minute.

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Can I wear my athletic gear or do I have to wear football-specific apparel?

While technically you can play football in any athletic attire, football-specific clothing is recommended as it is designed to enhance performance and comfort on the field. Jerseys, shorts, and other clothing are often made of lightweight and breathable materials to allow optimal airflow. This reduces overheating, sweat, and heat. The fit also allows for a wide range of motion which can enhance your agility during play.

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Statistics

A survey found that nearly 80% of football players believe that high-quality football socks are essential for optimal performance.
Compression garments are used by about 50% of professional football players during training sessions for muscle support and injury prevention.
Approximately 40% of amateur football players wear boots that are not properly fitted, increasing the risk of foot injuries.
Over 90% of professional football players wear boots with synthetic uppers for better performance and durability.
Goalkeeper gloves with advanced grip technology have been adopted by 85% of professional goalkeepers in top leagues around the world.

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How To

How to Choose the right Football Boots according to your Playing Position

Your performance on the field is directly related to the choice of football boots you make. Attackers tend to choose lightweight boots for agility and speed, while midfielders are more likely to select boots that provide a balance between controllability and comfort. Defensive footballers may opt for boots that provide enhanced stability and protection. You should always consider the material. Kangaroo hide provides a soft feel and excellent ball touch, whereas synthetic materials are more durable and offer water resistance. Correct sole plates, which are suited to your surface, can also play a vital role in preventing injury and ensuring good traction.