Chelsea Transfer News: Leon Bailey Confirms Interest Amid Premier League Rumours
August 6, 2018
Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey has said there's been "concrete interest" in his services this summer after frequent links with Chelsea and Liverpool.
The 20-year-old is one of the biggest rising prospects in the Bundesliga, and he told Kicker (h/t Sky Sports News) clubs remain keen on his signature with only a few days left in the Premier League transfer window, which closes on Thursday.
He said: "There's concrete interest. What I can say is that my full focus is on developing myself as a young player. If a club wants me, my management and Bayer will take care of it."
Last season was Bailey's first full campaign in the Bundesliga after he arrived from Belgian outfit Genk in January 2017, and UEFA illustrated how it hasn't taken him long to settle into his surroundings:
UEFA Europa League @EuropaLeagueLeon Bailey voted the Bundesliga's best newcomer for 2017/18 🌟 👕 25 starts ⚽️ 9 goals 🅰️ 6 assists Just 20-years-old... #UEL https://t.co/63tez6vR6C
It was at the time of his transfer to Leverkusen that the Press Association (h/t MailOnline) reported Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United were among the parties interested in his services.
Maurizio Sarri now reigns at the Blues' helm, but there's a chance those in the Chelsea hierarchy remain a fan of Bailey, whose price tag is sure to be a lot more than the £12.8 million he cost 18 months ago.
The Jamaican whiz has since grown his reputation by starring in one of Europe's top divisions, although he did end the Bundesliga season by failing to score in any of his last 10 league appearances.
The issue for Chelsea is fitting the player in with their plans, and Goal's Nizaar Kinsella suggested no wing reinforcements would be bought if their current corps remained intact:
Nizaar Kinsella @NizaarKinsellaIf Willian and Pedro stay, it feels unlikely that a new right winger will join Chelsea by Thursday. #CFC
Of those players, the most likely to be moved on has appeared to be Willian, but he came out after Sunday's 2-0 FA Community Shield defeat to Manchester City and stated his loyalty to the Chelsea cause, via Goal:
Goal UK @GoalUK"I hope to remain at the club" Chelsea star Willian spoke out for the first time about persistent rumours linking him with Barcelona and Man Utd https://t.co/wChO4X2FMK
There's a sense of urgency if Chelsea are to have any chance of securing Bailey's signature before the transfer window closes on Thursday.
Bailey makes for an attractive target considering he's young, can play on either wing and is already producing at the top level.
He's also a threat from range:
Bayer 04 Leverkusen @bayer04_en🔥🔥🔥🔥 @leonbailey scored this golazo vs. Mainz in the BayArena last season! What a hit!! #SaTORday https://t.co/M4EFytsUEt
But while he has confirmed interest in his signature remains, it could be that both Chelsea and Liverpool will watch as he's signed by another of Europe's titans after the English transfer window shuts.
The Premier League powerhouses will need to move swiftly to ensure that isn't the case should they want Bailey badly enough, with the player seemingly happy to encourage the speculation regarding his future.
Wenger Backs Henry for Managerial Career Despite Monaco Firing