Chelsea are hoping to sign Leon Bailey this summer if they manage to escape the transfer ban set by FIFA.
The Blues are disallowed from signing any players for the entire 2019/20 season due to mishandling contracts of youth players. The transfer embargo could not have come at a worse time as the club bid farewell to their best ever player in recent history, Eden Hazard.
The Belgian’s departure has left a meteoric gap in the club’s attacking lineup and it will take a lot to replace him. Incidentally, Chelsea have predicted this outcome and have gone ahead with the transfer of Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund back in January.
The £58m American is naturally suited to the wing position but the club might need a backup option. While Callum Hudson-Odoi has shown his top-flight pedigree, he is still only 18 years old and could be viewed as more of a developmental piece for either Sarri or whoever manages the club next term.
Bailey’s was previously of interest to Chelsea but the Jamaican international chose to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for longer. After hitting his best form in 2017, the 21-year-old’s form has dipped this past season allowing him to score only 5 goals.
He is still valued at £80m which would is close to what Chelsea immediately pocketed from Hazard’s sale. Bailey is left-footed, versatile and has massive potential to succeed in the European stage.
However, a transfer this very summer would very well depend on the outcome of Chelsea’s appeal.
See Also: Chelsea appeal transfer ban: Why failing the appeal might be a blessing in disguise!
