‘Bailey fits Chelsea’s blueprint’

Renowned Bundesliga commentator Dan O’Hagan believes Jamaica’s Leon Bailey would be the right fit for English Premier League side Chelsea, as the rumours continue to swirl over the star winger’s move to the United Kingdom this summer.

O’Hagan, who has spent the last 21 years covering football across Europe, says Chelsea are the front-runners to nab the winger, who is keen on a move away from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Four of Europe’s top clubs, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and German giants Bayern Munich, are all said to be in the hunt to attract the 22-year-old’s signature.

However, Chelsea are set to have hatched an 85-million-pound transfer plan to lure the Jamaican to Stanford Bridge, to add to Frank Lampard’s young charges.

HUNGRY SQUAD

“Bailey definitely fits Chelsea’s blueprint, as Frank Lampard is building a young hungry squad which the 22-year-old would fit right into. We could see a scenario where Christian Pulisic would play on the right, with Leon Bailey occupying the left flank, says O’Hagan.

O’Hagan, who has had stints with the BBC and Eurosport, says the deal could happen as soon as this summer, once Chelsea overhaul their squad, which would make room for the transfer.

“Both Pedro and Willian are out of contract and could be leaving this season, so that would free up some squad space for Leon to come in. It would also be easier for Leon to slot right in, because he speaks English and can adapt immediately.

Chelsea’s interest in Bailey is high, the club sent scouts to watch the winger earlier last month when his club Bayer Leverkusen played Rangers in the UEFA Europa League first leg encounter at Ibrox.

The Jamaican came off the bench to score a goal in a mesmerising display, and it is that performance that could have sold the blues on signing the winger.

“Leon has a knack of stepping up in big games, he has done that a couple of times this season in the Bundesliga, and he has shown that he has grown and can play at the top level,” added O’Hagan.

Bailey has managed only 22 appearances this season, scoring seven goals. The winger has also missed six weeks of action through injury.