Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey is increasingly likely to move to the Premier League this summer.
Bailey has been linked with a move to England for a number of years now. It looks like the transfer could finally happen in 2020.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims that the Jamaican is generating attention from numerous big clubs. He is believed to favour a move to England.
Leverkusen are open to selling for the right price. The club, Bailey and his representatives are set to hold discussions this week to try to sort out his future.
Manchester City and Manchester United are keen, but he is not a primary target for either side
However, if Ornstein’s claim that he will only cost €20-30 million is correct, Bailey is sure to attract interest from most clubs.
A bargain fee
If any team manages to get Bailey for €20-30 million, it will surely prove to be a bargain.
A player of Bailey’s profile would probably cost €50m+ under normal circumstances.
The 22-year-old has had an injury-hit campaign but has still managed five goals and three assists in 22 Bundesliga games.
He was out for the majority of September and October. He then found it difficult to get back into the side due to the form of the likes of Kai Havertz, Moussa Diaby and Kevin Volland.
This meant that 10 of his 22 appearances have been from the subs bench.
Taking a look at the two seasons previous would give one a better idea of Bailey’s talent.
In 2017/18, Bailey scored nine times and assisted six more at 20-years-old.
A left-footed winger comfortable on either flank, Bailey is happy to cut in from the right or create from wide on the left.
He is a strong, quick dribbler who is also very useful from set-pieces.
His goal return will most likely improve as he gets older, as happens with most players with raw talent like Bailey has.
Where will he go?
As mentioned, both Manchester clubs are interested.
City have recently sold Leroy Sane, but are still well stocked on the-wings.
United are certainly in need of a right-winger. Bailey could be an excellent cheaper alternative to Jadon Sancho.
Bailey has played more off the left this season but is still very capable of playing on the right.
Chelsea do not need him due to the acquisitions of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, while Spurs have Heung-Min Son and Steven Bergwijn on their flanks.
Arsenal will surely give Nicolas Pepe another year to improve, while Bukayo Saka has recently signed a new deal and looks to be a future star.
An interesting option could be Liverpool.
The Reds do need a new player to cover their front three but are unlikely to actually sign someone unless they come cheap.
Leon Bailey at a cut-price €25 million could be someone that would interest Jurgen Klopp and co.
However, the best place for Bailey to go in the Premier League could be Leicester City.
The Foxes are currently in a battle for top four and are a winger away from having a fantastic first XI.
One thing for certain is that there will be numerous clubs sniffing about due to the bargain price tag.
