MASSIVE PAYDAY (BERLIN, Germany) : 19 y-o Jamaican Leon Bailey joins Bayer Leverkusen for a reported US$12.8 million

Wednesday, February 01, 2017    

BERLIN, Germany (AFP) — Promising Jamaican teenager Leon Bailey signed a five-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen yesterday for a reported 12 million euros (US$12.8 million).

The 19-year-old forward moves to Germany from Belgian side, Genk.

This picture, taken on September 15, 2016, shows
 Jamaican forward Leon Bailey of Genk during the
UEFA Europa League Group F football match versus
Rapid Vienna in Austria. (Photo: AFP)

“With Leon Bailey we have once again secured a very promising, long-term prospect,” Club Director Michael Schade said.

“This young man was also the target of a number of other European sides and we are thrilled to have beaten off strong opposition for him.” Bailey, who usually plays on the left wing, joined Genk at the start of the season from Slovakian side Trencin.

“At Bayer, I want to go to the next level,” Bailey said.

“Leverkusen are known as a club where a player can develop. And the type of football they play here is attractive; I like that.”

Leverkusen are placed ninth in the Bundesliga, and face Atlético Madrid in the Champions League last 16.