Leon Bailey viral video leak on X: Aston Villa star's private predicament a boon for Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce?

Amidst reports of Leon Bailey securing a £25 million move to Saudi Pro League (RSL) newcomers Neom SC, a fresh transfer rumour has linked the Jamaican international to Fenerbahçe in Turkey instead. The Istanbul side, managed by Jose Mourinho, is also reportedly interested in Marco Asensio of PSG, Leandro Trossard of Arsenal, and Lucas Vazquez of Real Madrid, having already confirmed a loan deal for Al-Nassr's Jhon Duran.

Neom SC had been linked to the 27-year-old attacker as part of their squad strengthening efforts for RSL following promotion from the second-tier league. They've already signed Alexandre Lacazette, Saïd Benrahma, and Marcin Bulka, and securing Bailey would have further solidified their attack. However, the Turkish Süper Lig is unlikely to offer a 'mouth-watering' sum to the player, despite being willing to meet Aston Villa's demands. The English club is currently under pressure to make significant sales this summer to avoid further breaches of Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Reports suggest that the arrival of Benrahma at Neom indicates a step away from a potential Bailey deal there. Meanwhile, the departures of veterans Dušan Tadić and Edin Dzeko have made reinforcements a must for Fenerbahçe. Mourinho's team faces substantial debt, but they are striving to raise their game and challenge the thriving Galatasaray domestically. European football observers suggest the club is now in a position to pay the estimated £20 million market price for the Premier League star.

Jose Mourinho | Reuters

Adding to the mix is a recent social media video leak that showed Bailey alongside an unidentified woman. This woman was not Stephanie Hope, his long-term partner and the mother of his son, Cristiano. Leon Bailey reportedly deactivated his Instagram account briefly after screenshots of the leaked video circulated on X. It's suspected that Bailey wished to avoid cyberbullies commenting on his Instagram wall about the video, leading to the deactivation. 

If the video is authentic, a move to Saudi Arabia could be in jeopardy, as the Kingdom adheres to Sharia law, which governs all aspects of life, including public and private conduct. Neom SC's management and fans alike could withdraw their interest in light of the issue, as romantic relationships outside of marriage are generally not accepted and can lead to serious legal and social consequences in the country. Neither Leon Bailey nor Stephanie Hope has responded to the matter yet. Villa fans on X also joked that family tensions could flare in the Bailey household over the video, which could make relocation to a new country further difficult. However, Unai Emery's side will be forced to sell the Jamaican as they can't proceed without the transfer money from his sale.