Scout Report – Leon Bailey
Chelsea are known for acquiring top-notch young football talents as part of their youth development and their latest transfer target is one of the brightest prospects of world football.
Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey is reportedly on the Blues’ radar and has been closely monitored by club’s recruitment department for the past 18 months. Antonio Conte, however, had a rift regarding the club’s transfer policy back in the summer as he failed to land his prime transfer targets on several occasions.
The story about Bailey remains in the air, though, as to whether Conte has given his scouting panel the green light to bring the youngster in when the transfer window opens in January.
A New Challenge In The Bundesliga For The Young Bailey
The 20-year-old Jamaican joined the Bundesliga outfit from Belgian Pro League side Genk on the deadline day of the January transfer window amidst interests from Premier League heavyweights Chelsea and Manchester United.
Chelsea, in particular, were keen to bring him in after being impressed with his pace, skill and effective wing play. But the deal didn’t materialise and the player opted to join the Die Werkself.
The £9.9m rated Bailey had a few substitute appearances last season but started the new campaign brightly and earned a regular starter status for Leverkusen. They are currently 5th in the league and the youngster has 5 goals and 4 assists under his belt in 13 Bundesliga outings.
London Calling
Although he is under contract until 2022, the Blues are reportedly in advanced talks of concluding a deal in January that includes a loan back to his current club for the remainder of the campaign. Barcelona have also expressed their desire to acquire the prodigy and sent scouts to monitor his progress, but as things stand, Chelsea are clear favorites to strike a deal for the Jamaican sensation.
Bailey had his only appearance for the Jamaica U23s back on 8th March 2015 against the Cayman Islands where he marked his debut with a sublime goal from a free-kick. But the player has reportedly refused to accept international call-ups until the football infrastructure of his country improves and has decided to concentrate fully on his club career in order to grow up as a ‘next-gen’ football superstar.
Chelsea currently have multiple wide players in their ranks and the likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian have been pretty impressive so far for the London giants. But they need some fresh youth talent who can be groomed to become a star in the future.
Leon Bailey is quick, has strong set-piece skills, has impressive crossing and passing traits and loves to cut inside from the flanks. He has all the attributes to become a successful name for this famous English club if the deal materialises this winter and the player gets his chances to prove his worth.
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