Leeds table bid to sign forward whose price-tag has been slashed 50% due to COVID-19 – reports
Leeds United have tabled a shock bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Leon Bailey, according to French journalist Manu Lonjon.
The freelance reporter, who has recently worked for Eurosport in France, claimed via his personal Twitter account on Friday afternoon that Leeds have “just made an offer” for 23-year-old Bailey.
https://twitter.com/ManuLonjon/status/1296776131396472833
Bailey has been constantly linked with a move to the Premier League in recent years but based on a report by Sky Sports in July, the Jamaica international’s dream move to England could happen this summer.
Sky reported that Bailey is working with Raheem Sterling’s agents, Colossal Sports Management, to help him seal a move to the Premier League.
That boosts Leeds’ hopes of striking a deal massively but the financial impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had could also help the Yorkshire giants.
Sky Sports add in their report that Bailey “could be available for a fee of between £20m and £30m”.
It is understood that Bayer Leverkusen were expected to demand £60million for the former Genk forward but due to COVID-19, his price-tag has been slashed by at least 50 per cent.
Based on the reported bids for Ben White, anything between £20million and £30million is affordable for Leeds.
But, while Bailey is a very talented attacker, Leeds have other priorities before looking to add more wide players to their squad.
First and foremost, White needs to be replaced if Leeds cannot sign him from Brighton and secondly, Marcelo Bielsa needs a new striker.
Bailey can play as a centre-forward but is more of a winger who can perform well on both flanks.
Last season, the Jamaican star scored seven goals in 33 appearances in all competitions and interestingly, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are all teams he managed to net against.
If he can do it against the best the Bundesliga has to offer you can bet he will be able to cause havoc against the Premier League’s elite.
While the link it Bailey is truly exciting, the player must have his sights set on playing for a team in Europe next season.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have tabled an offer for this Dutch attacker.