GET HIM ON THE PLANE.
Bayer Leverkusen lost their main goal threat, Javier Hernandez, to West Ham last summer, but breakthrough star Leon Bailey has more than made up for his absence this season.
Bailey only played 10 matches in the 2016/17 season, but has been given much more opportunity by coach Heiko Herrlich this term and has repaid him with 11 goals in 22 appearances; a ratio that a striker in their pomp would be proud of, let alone a twenty year old winger.
The Bundesliga star was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up on the Caribbean island before his family moved to Europe, living in Austria, Germany and Holland before settling in Belgium. Bailey signed his first professional contract with Genk before earning a move to the Bundesliga in 2016.
His form this season has got people talking, mostly about which country he represents. As it stands he has only played for Jamaica’s under 23 side on one occasion, leaving his options open.
Although both of his parents are Jamaican, the Bundesliga recently confirmed that Bailey has a few options. He has two grandparents who have British passports, qualifying him to represent the Three Lions if he wishes. Belgium could also benefit from Bailey’s talents, as could Germany in the future if he still hasn’t pledged his allegiance to a country by the time he becomes eligible.
Gareth Southgate is reportedly well aware of Bailey and a source close to Bailey’s team told the Mirror that it would be ‘hard for him to turn down’ the chance to play for England if Southgate made an official approach.
Should he choose to play for England, we could see two Jamaican born wingers line up in the famous white shirt this summer; Raheem Sterling was also born in Jamaica and is reportedly a close friend of Bailey’s.
Don’t get your hopes up, but after watching one of his highlight reels it will be hard not to.
