Star Jamaican forward Leon Bailey is today (August 12) officially signed with English Premier League (EPL) outfit Aston Villa FC. 

The Villans, in a tweet captioned ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’, confirmed Bailey’s switch from third-place Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. The 23-year-old striker inked a £25 million contract until 2025, according to the BBC. 

Bailey also shook hands with club manager Dean Smith on AVFC’s sunny Villa Park grounds in Birmingham. 

In an August 4 statement, Aston Villa said the Jamaican had successfully completed his medical and agreed personal terms on the lucrative deal. 

Head Coach Dean Smith said: “Leon is a hugely exciting young striker with great pace and creativity. He has enjoyed a successful career at Leverkusen and we are now looking forward to watching him show his skills and talents for Aston Villa in the Premier League.”

Bailey, who has 10 international caps for Jamaica, has scored 39 goals and had 22 assists in three-and-a-half seasons for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. 

The young talent has also played in both the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League. 

Bailey to Leverkusen, ‘Thank you for everything’

Brimming at the new-found prospects in England, Bailey penned a heartfelt message to former club, Bayer Leverkusen on Instagram. 

The tribute post, posted on Monday, was also replete with his goals over the years as he thanked the German team for close to five wonderful years. 

See statement in full below: 

“First, I want to thank @bayer04fussball for 4 and a half amazing years.

As a young player at the age of 19, moving from Belgium to Germany was a new challenge. I had to adapt to a new culture, language and environment.

From the moment I arrived at the club, you all welcomed me with open arms while giving me a place to call home. Not only did you believe in me and give me a platform to show my true potential, you’ve helped me reach new heights in my career. The growth I’ve experienced at this club over the years, has made me who I am today.

Being a young boy from Kingston, Jamaica to play in Europe is something many can only dream of and not once have I ever taken it for granted.

I will never forget when I was the youngest member on the team bringing all the ball bags/luggage while we travelled for games. These were moments that taught me humility. I will never forget the many special moments we’ve shared, the laughter, the smiles, pat on the backs and motivation.

It has been a true honour and privilege to share the pitch with every Leverkusen player I’ve played with. The bond I have with my teammates and staff, I will cherish forever. A true definition of friends that became family, my brothers. We achieved so much together.

Bayer will always be a part of me. I will truly miss my Bayer family. This club will always have my support and I have no doubt that they will be successful in upcoming seasons.

Although I’m saying goodbye and it’s time for me to move onto my next chapter in my career, I take all the beautiful memories and experiences with me and will forever hold them close to my heart. It is unfortunate that we didn’t get to share our goodbyes in the BayArena.

I want to thank my managers, teammates, coaches, staff but most importantly the fans.. you guys are the real MVP’S.

There isn’t enough words to express my gratitude.

Danke Schön B04″