Leverkusen Sign Leon Bailey From Genk
REUTERS/Vincent West
Bayer Leverkusen have signed Leon Bailey from Genk, with the Jamaica international penning a contract through to 2022.
Having been targeted by some of the elite clubs of Europe like Manchester United after a series of exciting performances, including a goal tally of 4 in six matches for Genk in Europa League this season, 19-year-old Bailey completed his switch to Leverkusen on Tuesday.
The Bundesliga side have reportedly splashed out a transfer fee of around €15 million plus add-ons for the winger.
Welcome to the #Werkself @leonbailey! pic.twitter.com/Uuov6EqZaQ
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 31, 2017
“We were once again able to bind a promising player to us on a long-term deal,” Leverkusen executive Michael Schade said on the club’s official website.
“This lad was high up on the wish list of many other European clubs. It makes us even more happy to have beaten such strong competition to his signature.”
Bailey will be able to play in the Champions League for Leverkusen, after previously only featuring in the Europa League for Genk this term.
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Leverkusen have secured their place in the round of 16 in Europe’s top club competition, and face Spain’s Atletico Madrid next month.
“He’s got extraordinary pace, he’s very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department,” Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller said. “We are convinced that he will be a big gain for us.”
Bailey said that he wants “to make the next step” in his career at Leverkusen.
“Bayer are a good club,” Bailey, who will wear the No. 9 shirt, said. “It’s known that you can develop here. And their style of football is also attractive. I like that.”
