Leon Bailey joined Bayer Leverkusen from Genk in 2017. (Getty Images)
As per German outlet Sport 1 via Sport Witness (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton are keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey ahead of the new campaign.
Bailey, 22, started out with Phoenix All Stars Academy in his homeland, Jamaica, and joined USK Anif’s youth system in Austria. He was then signed by Genk in August 2015 where he made 77 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 21 assists before making the jump to Leverkusen in 2017.
Bailey came to prominence in his first full season with the German outfit, scoring 9 goals in 30 Bundesliga games. He went to establish himself as a key member of the squad but his progress was hampered this past season when he struggled with a muscle injury.
However, he is one of the best young talents in Bundesliga. And thus, Everton should make a move for him at the earliest since Tottenham are also looking to secure his services, as per the report.
The Toffees, meanwhile, struggled for consistency throughout the campaign but they managed to put in decent performances since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti. Everton finished 12th in the league and haven’t been anywhere near to their best.
However, with the transfer window open until October, the manager should look to bring in reinforcements and add depth to several key areas.
Apart from Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Toffees’ attacking unit failed miserably in 2019/20. The duo managed to score 26 of the 44 goals Everton scored in the league. While they are likely to remain as sure starters under Ancelotti, no other player has done enough to convince the manager.
Alex Iwobi, Bernard and Theo Walcott and Yannick Bolasie are the four options available in the wide areas. However, none of them have performed well including Bolasie, who spent the season on loan with Sporting Lisbon. Thus, a winger is a must in the summer.
In that regard, Leverkusen’s Bailey would be a massive signing for the club. The youngster, who is a left-winger by trade, is also capable of operating on the opposite flank. Despite struggling with injuries this season, he has managed to score 7 goals while setting up 3 more across all competitions. He can only get better from here on under proper guidance.
Given, Richarlison seems to be comfortable in a centre-forward role, Bailey’s addition to the squad would definitely bring in healthy competition to Iwobi and Bernard on the left side of the attack. He has already proven his worth with the German outfit and can be a crucial player for the Toffees next season if he is able to continue with the fine form.
With a lack of quality in the wide areas, Everton are in dire need of wingers next season, And Bailey, who is just 22, has a lot of room for development. He can provide them with some much-needed quality upfront and can be a future star at Goodison Park.
