Leon Bailey linked to Chelsea once more in an unlikely way

Young winger (and alleged Chelsea fan) Leon Bailey has been linked to the Blues again. But the when of the rumor makes the move unlikely.

Willian and Pedro are not getting any younger. Pedro has only just extended through till the end of next season. Willian, despite links with a move away all summer, says he never wanted to leave and wants to stay for another five years. On paper, Chelsea has the right wing spot locked up for at least two years. In practice, both of the current right wingers are on their downward slope and will not remain solid options for that long.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is viewed as the heir apparent to the left wing spot, though he could potentially be converted to do a job on the right. The more likely scenario is that Chelsea looks to the market for someone young and promising. That is where Leon Bailey comes in.

Bailey is one of the hottest prospects in the world right now. Allegedly, he is also a Chelsea fan and would prefer a move to the Blues over all others. Reports out of Germany are stating that it could happen as soon as January. And while that would be a massive move for the January market, it is unlikely for the very same timing. The rumor is undermined due to the timing.

First of all, Bailey only just signed a new contract for Bayer Leverkusen. To turn around and move just six months later would be odd (though not unprecedented). Bayer knows they are sitting on a goldmine in Bailey and they will not let him go for cheap, especially in January.

But while the January move is unlikely, a move in the summer is not. Bundesliga is very much Bayern Munich’s league, both on the pitch and off. The last thing Bayer would want to do is hold on to Bailey only to see him leave for Bayern for free in a few years like so many players in the league do. So if a club abroad were willing to pay the price, they would likely give in and let it happen.

Bailey on his own would make a lot of sense for Chelsea. If the rumors are true and he is a fan, he will be an incredibly devoted player. Furthermore, the kid is an amazing player even at his young age. The move would be on par with signing Eden Hazard all those years ago. Equally adept on both wings, Bailey has also been known to play wingback from time to time. His work rate is incredible as is his eye for wonder goals.

If Chelsea decides to go after Bailey, it is unlikely to be in January bar any incredible change of fortunes. But Chelsea will need to find the solution at right wing sooner rather than later. Bailey is that solution. Whether he partners Hudson-Odoi or Hazard for years to come, he would be a game changing acquisition. The young winger has the world at his feet and though Chelsea may not go for him in January, they absolutely will one day.