Bayern Munich have seemingly made the first move in the race for Bayer Leverkusen’s in-demand Leon Bailey.
The Jamaican winger’s nine goals and six assists in his first season in the Bundesliga have not only attracted interest from across Europe, but also fuelled excitement over his supposed eligibility to play for England.
Whilst immediate, and admittedly faint, hopes of the latter were quashed by Gareth Southgate’s squad announcement, a summer move does look a strong possibility.
Bailey owns a place on a three-man shortlist of targets for Liverpool alongside Bordeaux’s Malcolm and Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic, according to the Daily Mail.
Any interest in bringing him to Merseyside looks set to be tested in light of an opening offer for the 20-year-old’s services.
German champions Bayern have launched a bid of €60 million for Bailey, report ESPN.
This arrives a month after Bailey scored a stunning, but albeit consolation, free-kick in his side’s 5-1 defeat to Bayern.
They might have conceded 6 to Bayern last night, but Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey scored a lovely free-kick! pic.twitter.com/JUDbzbqQUc
— OLBG Betting Tips (@OLBG) April 18, 2018
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Liverpool’s alleged admiration for Bailey stems from a wish to bolster the club’s strength in depth in all positions ahead of a 2018/2019 campaign in which they will be expected to challenge for the Premier League title.
His pace and ability to beat a man are naturally well-aligned to Jurgen Klopp’s explosive attacking system and the importance of making opportunities in the final-third count.
Seeking to add a winger can do no harm in regards to providing some cover for Mohamed Salah, but the leading priority will undoubtedly be reinforcing the team’s midfield options from both an attacking and defensive perspective.
Of the three-man shortlist, Dortmund’s Pulisic appears best-equipped to transition into the no.10 Klopp remains on the lookout for.