Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović has revealed that Leon Bailey's proposed transfer from Aston Villa is currently off, describing the saga as "a bit of a mess." The winger had been close to joining the Tigers after the deal was revived a week ago, but it has now been plunged into serious doubt once again.
Bailey did not travel with Villa to the Far East for their pre-season tour of Asia and was also left out of the squad for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Speaking to BBC Humberside, Jakirović was candid about the situation, stating, "If I have to beg someone to come to Hull City, it's better they stay at your club and we will try to find someone else. Today it is off. It was off before and on again."
Bailey's Future in Limbo
The 27-year-old Jamaica international has been linked with a move away from Villa Park throughout the summer, with Hull City emerging as a potential destination. However, the latest comments from Jakirović suggest that the deal has collapsed, at least for now. Bailey's absence from Villa's pre-season activities and the Super Cup squad indicates that his future remains uncertain, but Hull's manager has made it clear he will not chase a player who is not fully committed.
Jakirović's frustration was evident as he spoke about the situation, emphasizing that Hull City will not be held hostage by a player who is unsure about joining. "It is a bit of a mess," he admitted, adding that the club will now look for alternatives to strengthen their squad.
Guessand Closing in on Crystal Palace Loan
In other transfer news, Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand is closing in on a loan move to Crystal Palace, with a buy option expected to be included in the deal. The 25-year-old did not travel to Austria for Villa's match against PSG as a result of the ongoing negotiations. Guessand spent the second half of last season on loan at Palace, but the Conference League winners did not take up their option to sign him permanently.
New Palace boss Pierre Sage will aim to get the best out of Guessand, who has struggled for form in the Premier League over the last 12 months. The loan move could provide the Frenchman with a fresh start and the opportunity to reignite his career in English football.
Super Cup Showdown and Fan Reaction
Aston Villa will face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup final on Wednesday, August 12, as the Europa League and Champions League winners meet in Austria. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports via HBO Max or Prime Video's HBO Max channel. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams boasting star-studded squads.
As the transfer window continues, Villa fans will be eager to see how these situations unfold. The club has been active in the market, but the potential departures of Bailey and Guessand could have significant implications for their squad depth. With the new season approaching, manager Unai Emery will need to make decisions that strengthen his team while managing the expectations of players and supporters alike.
