Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 7y

Leon Bailey joins Bayer Leverkusen from Genk on deal until 2022

Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Leon Bailey from Genk, with the Jamaica international penning a contract through to 2022.

Having been linked with a host of European clubs including Manchester United following a series of good performances for Genk in Europa League this term, Bailey, 19, sealed his switch to Leverkusen on Tuesday.

The Bundesliga club have reportedly payed Genk a transfer fee of around €15 million plus add-ons for the winger.

"We were once again able to bind a promising player to us on a long-term deal," Leverkusen executive Michael Schade said on the club's official website. "This lad was high up on the wish list of many other European clubs. It makes us even more happy to have beaten such strong competition to his signature."

Bailey is eligible to play in the Champions League for Leverkusen after previously only featuring in the Europa League for Genk this term.

"He's got extraordinary pace, he's very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department," Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller said. "We are convinced that he will be a big gain for us."

Bailey said that he wants "to make the next step" in his career at Leverkusen.

"Bayer are a good club," Bailey, who will wear the No. 9 shirt, said. "It's known that you can develop here. And their style of football is also attractive. I like that."

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