Bayer Leverkusen's Jamaican forward Leon Bailey celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Europa League Group C football match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SK Slavia Prague in Leverkusen, western Germany, on December 10, 2020. (Photo by Ina Fassbender / POOL / AFP) (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail (h/t Football.london), Tottenham have received a boost in their pursuit for Leon Bailey. The player has changed his agency and signed with USM. They are responsible for managing a lot of Premier League stars such as Reece James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, etc.
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 134 games for the German side, he has scored 33 and assisted 22 goals.
He has been in great form this season, with 16 goal contributions in just 18 games. The youngster has also been capped 8 times by Jamaica since making his debut in June 2019.
A lot was expected of Gareth Bale’s return to the side. He was seen as the world-class player who could push Spurs to the next level. It has been anything but. Bale was slowly eased into the side but in the chances that he has been afforded, he has produced nothing of substance. It was only due to the splendid efforts of Kane and Son that Spurs have performed well in the initial stages.
Spurs need one more player who can complete their attack and ease the burden on the aforementioned duo. 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 Mourinho, who lacks a decent right-winger in the side.
It is imperative that Spurs sign someone like him next summer or even in January. Bailey has become quite an asset for Leverkusen and chances are that he can be the same for Tottenham.