Manchester City identify 22-year-old Bundesliga winger as Leroy Sane alternative

Man City want to replace Leroy Sane with Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey. 

Leon Bailey celebrates goal in Bayer Leverkusen
Image source: Bundesliga.com

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester City have reportedly identified Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey as the replacement for Leroy Sane. Sane’s transfer saga with Bayern Munich is likely to come to halt with the Bundesliga giants looking in pole position to get his services this summer.

Bavarians came close to acquiring the services of the 24-year-old last summer before an ACL injury ruined the transfer. Sane joined the Cityzens from Schalke in the summer of 2016 and has since been impressive with a return of 39 goals and 45 assists across 100 appearances. However, the German attacker has failed to become an indispensable starter under Pep Guardiola which in turn prompted Sane to look out for an exit. 

City have now sorted out Leverkusen prospect Leon Bailey as their transfer target, having watched him over the past two seasons. The Jamaican youngster is said to be valued around £40million. 

Will Bailey be a good signing for Guardiola’s side?

The 22-year old is a typical winger, who is capable of playing on either flank while predominantly being left-footed. Having played for the Belgian outfit Genk for around two seasons, he made his switch to Germany in 2017. Bailey burst onto the scene in his first season for Leverkusen, racking up 12 goals and 6 assists across all competitions. A former transfer target of Chelsea, Bailey is also said to be watched by fellow Premier League outfit Arsenal. 

The biggest concern for Man City turns out to be Bailey’s lack of form in the past two seasons. The Jamaican’s scoring rate has taken a hit following his impressive debut season, finding the net only 12 times. 

The 2019/20 campaign has been tumultuous for the Jamaican international after picking up a muscle injury followed by red card suspension on two occasions. 

In terms of style, Bailey fits the archetype of the wide player whom Guardiola desires. A good dribbler of the ball – making him deadly in 1 vs 1 situation – he is also known for his creativity, averaging 1.5 key passes per game in Bundesliga this season. However, his end product leaves a lot to be desired. 

Perhaps City’s biggest issue in the 19/20 season was being lackadaisical in front of goal as their forwards weren’t clinical with their finishes. 

Sky Blues’ biggest task will be trying to persuade players in the transfer window as a result of their Champions League ban. 

With Sane unlikely to continue his journey at the Ethiad, City should bring a proper replacement ahead of the next season. Bailey has all the attributes to succeed the former Schake man and a move to the Premier League at this stage would be a stepping stone for his career. 

Furthermore, Bailey’s £40m valuation would be an icing on the cake for the SkyBlues. 

Leon Bailey – Skills & Goals

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