In a statement, Stockport County confirmed that they are actively seeking a permanent transfer for Odin Bailey, a midfielder for Salford City.
The 24-year-old Bailey returned to the Ammies on Saturday, marking the end of his loan at Edgeley Park. The Birmingham native, though, did not participate in Karl Robinson’s starting lineup for the matchup with Forest Green Rovers.
With fellow loanee Louie Barry, he quickly became a fan favourite during his 24 appearances for the Hatters, until the Aston Villa winger sustained a long-term injury. With one goal and six assists, Bailey helped the team finish first in the league.
Bailey, the final player to join Stockport during the summer transfer window, had trouble breaking into the Salford City team. In 2022–2023 he made 22 appearances, most of them coming off the bench.
County stated in a statement that they remained open to signing the midfield player to a long-term contract. The 24-year-old, who has made 24 appearances for the team in the first half of the season, has been in communication with all three parties in recent weeks in an effort to come to a permanent transfer arrangement.
“Unfortunately, no agreement has been reached as of yet, and Odin has returned to Salford City after his loan agreement expired on Saturday.
At this point, we’re still in communication with all stakeholders in an effort to find a solution that works for everyone.
Bailey progressed through Birmingham City’s academy before making his debut in the first squad and winning a game against Middlesborough in the final seconds.
During two loan stints at Forest Green, he experienced League Two football for the first time. He has also played for Livingston in the Scottish Premiership and Gloucester City in the National League South.
It is imperative that Stockport County negotiate a long-term agreement with Odin Bailey. The influence he has had in his brief tenure at the Hatters is evident from the supporters’ response to his departure. He gives enthusiasm and skill to the team’s front line. One player who has disregarded the notorious guideline to never fall in love with a loan player is Bailey. I’m hoping that Dave Challinor and his group can work out a deal that works for everyone and get him back as soon as possible.
At Salford, Bailey was never given the opportunity to really shine. He was forced to establish himself in cameo appearances and rarely had the opportunity to do so at the beginning of games. Along with Elliot Watt and Stevie Mallan, Salford could have had one of the best midfields in the division if he had been given the chance. Salford won’t suffer a great loss because Kelly Nmai has been a fantastic academy option for the Ammies, especially considering the financial benefits of a permanent contract.
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