Jamaican Sensation Leon Bailey Target for English Premier League Giants
He may be only 20 years old but Kingston-born footballer Leon Bailey is already making waves around Europe with a number of the continent’s big clubs said to be interested in bringing the hot-shot in during the summer transfer window.
Bailey made headlines earlier this year when retired sprinter Usain Bolt – who is looking to win a professional contract with a football club of note – labelled Bailey too good for the Reggae Boyz. To date, the talented winger has turned out for the Jamaican national team at U23 level only, with officials looking to hurry through a cap for the senior squad, if he’ll accept it.
England have thrown their hat into the ring in an attempt to pull the prospect towards a place in the Three Lions side in time for the World Cup. Gareth Southgate could certainly use all the help he can get with followers of international football betting finding England marked at a chunky 18/1 to triumph in Russia.
Leon was a 2017 buy for German Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen, who spotted his potential and moved to bring him to BayArena from Genk for a fee of 20m euros. That ended speculation linking him to the English Premier League but cash-rich British clubs have a habit of getting what they want and are expected to return.
Londoners Chelsea are thought to be at the head of the queue as The Blues plan a summer overhaul of the squad that failed to deliver during the 2017/18 season. Going into the season as champions Antonio Conte’s men were disappointing from the off, never getting near Man City and the major players. If the manager is able to keep his job, which remains to be seen, he’ll want to follow The Citizens’ lead and splash the cash on youth.
If Chelsea were keen on Bailey before his debut season in Germany, they have been put on red alert following his stunning recent form. Heiko Herrlich’s men have performed above expectations this term and rhymed off an eye-catching 12-match unbeaten run with wonderkid Leon at the heart of that success. He is a player who needs no invitation to get forward, loves setting up opponents and boasts a keen eye for goal. He’d certainly be one to get the Chelsea support out of their seats after a period of misery.
A list of successful teams from around Europe will surely give Chelsea a run for their money in the race to sign Bailey but they could face the threat of losing him to an English top-flight rival, with Man Utd and Liverpool interested, according to sections of the British press.
Jose Mourinho has already shown his hand and declared himself an admirer of the Jamaican when monitoring his progress last summer. The Special One is all about giving youth a chance at Old Trafford as he aims to get The Red Devils back on top long-term. Jurgen Klopp takes a similar approach at Liverpool and both men have kept a close eye on Bailey’s progress in preparation for the transfer window reopening, sending scouts to Germany.
It’s all rumours at this stage and we’re certain to see young Bailey linked with a number of other clubs before the end of summer 2018 but, one thing’s for sure, the 20m euros paid by Leverkusen rates as a wise investment.
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