Stockport County have released a statement confirming they are pursuing a permanent transfer of Salford City midfielder Odin Bailey.
Bailey’s loan at Edgeley Park ended on Saturday, with the 24-year-old returning to the Ammies. However, the Birmingham-born player was not involved in Karl Robinson’s first squad in the game against Forest Green Rovers.
He racked up 24 appearances for the Hatters, becoming a quick fan favourite alongside fellow loanee Louie Barry until the Aston Villa winger picked up a long-term injury. Bailey contributed one goal and six assists, leaving the club at the top of the league.
The last signing for Stockport in the summer transfer window, Bailey struggled to make his way into the Salford City squad, making 22 appearances mainly from the bench in the 2022/23 season.
In a statement, County revealed that they were still interested in a permanent deal for the midfielder. They said: “All three parties have been in contact in recent weeks in an attempt to reach an agreement regarding the permanent transfer of the 24-year-old, who has made 24 appearances for the club in the first half of the season.
“Unfortunately at this stage, no agreement has been reached and Odin has now returned to Salford City following the expiration of his loan deal on Saturday.
“We remain in dialogue with all parties at this stage as we continue to try and find a solution that satisfies everyone.”
Bailey came through at Birmingham City’s academy, where he eventually broke out into the first team, scoring his first goal with a last-minute winner against Middlesborough.
He got his first taste of League Two football in two loan spells to Forest Green, also making appearances for Scottish Premiership side Livingston as well as for Gloucester City in the National League South.
Writer’s View
Stockport County should absolutely pursue a permanent deal for Odin Bailey. He adds energy and skill to the Hatters’ frontline, and fans’ reaction to his departure demonstrates the impact he has had in his short time there. Bailey has been a player who has broken the infamous rule of never falling in love with a loan player. Hopefully, Dave Challinor and his team can reach an agreement with all parties and bring him back as soon as possible.
Bailey never really got the chance to truly shine at Salford. He hardly got a chance to prove himself from the start of matches, and had to make his case in cameo appearances. If he did get the opportunities, Salford could have had one of, if not the best midfield in the division, alongside Elliot Watt and Stevie Mallan. Kelly Nmai has been a very good academy option for the Ammies, so it won’t be a massive loss for Salford, especially with the financial compensation that will come with a permanent deal.