Bailey wanted by Chelsea
The Mirror are reporting that Leon Bailey’s agent has claimed that Chelsea have been in contact over a potential transfer.
Bailey joined his current club Bayer Leverkusen in January of 2017 from Belgian outfit Genk for a fee of around £12m.
Bailey had an impressive debut season in Germany, playing 34 games across all competitions.
In those 34 games, Bailey would score 12 and assist six.
However, the 21-year-old has not enjoyed the same success this campaign.
Bailey has played 16 Bundesliga games this season but has only managed to score one and assist two. Although six of those appearances were as a sub.
Given his struggles at Leverkusen, Bailey could well be open to a Chelsea switch.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JULY 23: Maurizio Sarri, coach of Chelsea looks on prior to the international friendly between Chelsea FC and Perth Glory at Optus Stadium on July 23, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Bailey to replace Willian, Pedro or Hudson-Odoi?
One reason Chelsea could be targeting Bailey is as a replacement for Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The young Chelsea prospect has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
Bayern Munich’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic also recently had this to say about their ongoing pursuit of Hudson-Odoi:
“We want to sign the player. I have no doubts about his abilities. We are in constant contact with Chelsea.”As quoted by the Evening Standard.
If Hudson-Odoi does leave Chelsea, their need for a winger would become even greater.
Especially given that both Pedro and Willian are in the last 18 months of their contracts.
Moreover, given that Willian is 30 and Pedro is 31, it is unlikely they will receive new deals when theirs expire in 2020.
Bailey is naturally a left winger but he can also play on the right, making him the perfect replacement for any of Pedro, Willian and Hudson-Odoi.
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