Leon Bailey celebrates after scoring a goal (Getty Images)
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manchester City have identified Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey as the man to replace Leroy Sane should he leave the club for Bayern Munich in the summer.
Bailey, 22, started out at the Phoenix All Stars academy in his homeland of Jamaica before joining the youth setup of USK Anif in Austria in 2011. Two years later, he joined Slovakian outfit AS Trencin before ending up at Belgian club KRC Genk in 2015, which is where he burst into the limelight.
In 77 appearances for the club, Bailey scored 15 goals and assisted 12 before Bayer Leverkusen snapped him up in January 2017. Since joining the German giants, the 22-year-old has made 107 appearances, producing a return of 24 goals and 13 assists.
Manchester City have fallen short in the defence of their Premier League crown. At the time of the suspension of the league, the reigning champions were 25 points behind leaders Liverpool. And while there is still a mathematical chance of them winning the title, it seems like a very distant possibility.
For them to reassert their superiority in England next season, Pep Guardiola & co. should strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window. The centre-back department is one where urgent reinforcements are needed for the Mancunian outfit.
However, bringing in another wide player in the summer would hold them in good stead for future challenges. Raheem Sterling has been exceptional on the flanks for Manchester City this term. Riyad Mahrez has also been in fine form after a dull debut season.
Leroy Sane is another option at Guardiola’s disposal, but the German has been out injured for the entirety of the campaign. And with his contract expiring next year, Manchester City could sell him, amidst interest from Bayern Munich.
This would leave them without much depth on the wings. More so considering that Bernardo Silva has been used in a central role regularly this season and is likely to be moved into that role once David Silva leaves.
Hence, adding another wide player in the form of Leon Bailey would serve Manchester City well. The 22-year-old hasn’t had the most productive campaign this time out. Injuries and suspensions have prohibited him from enjoying a regular run in the side. But he has still managed 7 goals and an assist in 24 matches in all competitions.
In the previous two campaigns combined, he has managed 17 goals and 11 assists, highlighting the productivity he can bring when fit and firing. Signing the 22-year-old would add more depth and quality to the Cityzens’ squad. It would be further warranted if Sane ends up leaving.
Bailey, in the past couple of years, has grown into one of the most exciting wingers in Europe. Manchester City are staring at the possibility of losing out on Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich. Hence, signing the 22-year-old Bailey would provide the Cityzens with a like-to-like replacement.
