LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 26: Leon Bailey of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group C stage match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Hapoel Be'er Sheva at BayArena on November 26, 2020 in Leverkusen, Germany. Sporting stadiums around Germany remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Sascha Steinbach - Pool/Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Manchester United are said to be keeping an eye on Leon Bailey with a summer move very likely. The Leverkusen man has been in impressive form, which has attracted the attention of elite clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham and United themselves.
Even Leeds United were credited with an interest in the summer transfer window but Leverkusen held firm on their valuation of the player and refuse to negotiate.
Born in Jamaica, he started his journey with Phoenix All-Stars Jamaica before joining USK Anif’s youth system in Austria. He then moved to Genk in August 2015 where he made 77 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 21 assists. His stunning performances earned him a move to Leverkusen in January 2017.
He immediately integrated himself into the squad and became a key player for the German outfit. In his first full season with the club, he managed to rack up 12 goals and 6 assists and went on to score 5 goals in each of the following two league campaigns.
Though he struggled with injuries and was out of several fixtures due to suspension, he has proved to make a difference whenever the team needed him. In 130 games for the German side, he has scored 29 and assisted 21 goals. He has been in great form this season, with 11 goal contributions in just 14 games. The youngster has also been capped 8 times by Jamaica since making his debut in June 2019.
It is almost criminal as to how much Manchester United rely on 2 or 3 players to get them out of trouble at all times. Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have often bailed out the team whenever they have faced problems. As evident against West Ham, the pair were rested but had to be brought on eventually to tilt the game in the team’s favour.
This is actually very alarming for a club of Manchester United’s stature. They have a plethora of players in their side but none look like they have the desire to grab a game by the scruff of its neck and change it. Leon Bailey has been one such player for Bayer Leverkusen this season.
After the departure of Kai Havertz to Chelsea, Bailey has taken it upon himself to be the main man. The Jamaican already has a lot of experience for a player aged just 23 while his excellent track record of goals and assists in Germany suggests that he’s ready to make the step up to English football.
Essentially a left-footed left-winger by trade, Bailey is also adept at playing on the right and through the middle as a supporting striker. Such a trait of versatility would appeal to United who lack a right-winger in the side.
It is imperative that United sign someone like him next summer as the club needs more leaders. Bailey has become quite an asset for Leverkusen and chances are that he can be the same for Manchester United.