Aston Villa and Everton target Leon Bailey confirms desire to leave Leverkusen
Martin Macdonald
- Updated: 30 Jul 2021 09:00 BST
- 5 min read
Leon Bailey says he is ready to make the next step in his career and leave Leverkusen, amid reports he is being targeted by a number of Premier League clubs.
The 23-year-old has impressed in the German Bundesliga for a few years now and is coming off his most productive season yet, as he scored 15 goals and recorded 10 assists in all competitions.
Last season he was linked with a move to Manchester United or Liverpool, though those rumours seem to have died down over the past 12 months.
Bailey is still reportedly on the cusp of a move to the Premier League, with Aston Villa and Everton keen to bring him to England.
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Both clubs have received a boost in their pursuit this week as the player himself admitted a desire to move on from Leverkusen.
When asked in an interview wit if he was ready to leave, Bailey responded:
"One hundred per cent, I’m totally ready for the next step," he said, as reported by the Birmingham Mail via ESPN.
"I’ve been working hard to be able to reach where I am today. I feel like I’m at an age and point in my life where I feel like I’m ready for the next step. Hopefully we can make that happen soon.”
"For me, just playing at the top. The highest level. I feel like I need a new challenge so anywhere where it’s a good opportunity for me to really showcase myself and work hard.”
Who will sign Leon Bailey?
The club thought to be leading the race for Bailey's signature is Aston Villa, with Dean Smith looking to add another winger to his ranks following the acquisition of Emiliano Buendia from Norwich.
The Jamaica international could be signed as a team-mate of, or as a potential replacement for Jack Grealish.
His stepfather and agent confirmed that talks had already begun between Aston Villa and Leverkusen, though in contrary to what Bailey had told ESPN, he admitted the winger could stay at Leverkusen.
"The clubs are holding talks," Craig Butler told BILD.
“There are different interested parties from the Premier League. We are checking the options.
“It is important that Leon takes the right step. Therefore it has not yet been decided whether he will change this transfer period or later.
“Leon feels at home in Leverkusen. There will only be a change if everyone is satisfied."
As Bailey has now entered the final two years of his contract, it is believed he could be available for around €30 million.
Read more about: Bundesliga, Premier League, Aston Villa, Bayer 04, Everton, Liverpool, Man United, Emiliano Buendía, Jack Grealish
