Leon Bailey: Profile on £85million-rated Chelsea target dubbed ‘heir to Arjen Robben’ who is also linked with Liverpool and Arsenal
Leon Bailey could become a Premier League player this summer.
The 22-year-old caught the eye in Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-1 win over Rangers in their Europa League last-16 tie earlier this month.
Bailey was a 62nd-minute substitute and scored his side’s third goal, an exquisite finish past Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
The Jamaica international has struggled for regular playing time in Germany this season - and could look to move on the end of the season.
Below, marvelbet369.com gives you an in-depth look into all you need to know about Bailey…
Leon Bailey - Bundesliga 2019/20
Age: 22
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Winger
Nationality: Jamaican
Bundesliga appearances - 14
Starts - 7
Goals - 5
Assists - 1
Shots per game - 1.6
Key passes per game - 1
Successful dribbles per game - 1.6
What's the gossip?
Chelsea are reportedly plotting an £85million move to sign Bailey this summer.
The Blues have been long-term admirers of the former Genk star, whose current deal runs until 2023.
Arsenal and Liverpool have also been touted as possible destinations for Bailey.
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Where is he from?
Bailey grew up in Kingston, Jamaica where he played for the Phoenix All-Star Academy that was operated by his stepfather, Craig Butler.
His family moved to Europe in 2011 to try and find a club for him and he impressed a number of teams.
However, because he was only 15 at the time it created problems in signing a contract.
Bailey initially signed a contract with AS Trencin, who play in Slovakia, before going on to join Genk in 2015.
In two seasons with the Belgian club he scored 16 goals in 77 games.
Bailey joined Leverkusen for a reported fee of €20million (£18.4million).
Controversy?
President of the Jamaica Football Association Michael Ricketts accused Bailey of having an attitude problem in October 2018.
To possibly back up Ricketts' accusation, Bailey has received two red cards for violent conduct this season.
In March 2017, it was claimed the winger refused to play for his country of birth until the standard of football improved.
However, after a long wait, Bailey eventually made his senior Jamaica debut last summer.
He scored his first goal for his country in a 6-0 win over Antigua and Bermuda last September.
What is his style of play?
He has been dubbed the 'heir to Arjen Robben' by because of his abilities on the right wing.
Ajax youth coach Ronald de Boer is a fan of Bailey and has previously said: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rate.
“Exceptional. He has no weak points.”