OPINION
In May it was reported that Liverpool had drawn up a three-man shortlist of players that they wanted to pursue – and on that list was Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.
Interest in him has appeared to have subsided in the last few months, but the 5″11 (source: Transfermarkt) maestro has been quoted by German magazine Kicker as saying that “there’s a lot of interest” from clubs.
He goes on to say that: “If a club wants me, my management and Bayer 04 will take care of it.”
It is important to not get too carried away when a player says something like this, but it would undoubtedly be a boost to Liverpool that he is open to moving elsewhere.
Yes, it is very late on in the window for Bailey to be saying such a thing to put clubs on high alert, but this is an opportunity that boss Jurgen Klopp needs to grasp with both hands before anyone else does.
The 20-year-old dazzler is capable of playing on either the right or left flank, demonstrating the versatility that could be incredibly beneficial to the Reds – and his goal tally of 12 last season shows he has an eye for goal too.
Klopp would appreciate having a player on board who can operate in both positions, as it means he would have cover when one of his other wingers is injured.
Nevertheless, Bailey is a talented youngster in his own right, and now that he is open to moving to another club, Liverpool only have days to negotiate a transfer.
They will demonstrate their serious intent on pursuing the young ace if they do decide to go ahead and put in an offer for him, and if they do not, then it will show that he was just another name on a list.
Klopp would be missing a serious trick here if he does not pounce for the Jamaican under-23 international, and he must push on in light of the player’s recent revelation.
