If the rumors are to be believed, then Jamaican superstar Leon Bailey could be the next big money signing for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. The 22-year-old has been repeatedly linked with City since it was announced that out of favor German winger Leroy Sane will not be renewing his contract with the Manchester Club.
Bailey’s playing style is similar to that of Sane’s, but has a long way to go if he wants to emulate the German’s impact in the Premier League. Sane has had 25 goals and 28 assists in 90 appearances in the Premier League for Manchester City. However, it was Guardiola’s guidance and oftentimes “tough love” coaching style that contributed significantly to his development over the past few years.
With Bailey’s raw talent and obvious eye for goal, he can, under the guidance of Pep, become a similar asset or even better for the Mancunians.
In an interview done with 876Stream in April, Bailey stated that he was ready for the next step of his professional career and that he was eager to move to England’s top flight. Ironically, this was only weeks before the rumours of a move to City started circulating. Is the time right? Is Bailey ready for such a big step? One thing is for sure, if he does make the move, the Jamaican starlet is surely set to improve.
Guardiola has been known to improve the quality of players deemed as ‘young gems’ and turning them into world beaters, especially during his time at Barcelona. This writer in particular cannot think of too many young forwards that digressed in development while playing under the former Spanish International. However, the most recent example of this is Bailey’s friend and fellow Jamaican Raheem Sterling. Sterling’s rise over the past few years has been astronomical, with pundits now considering him to be one of the best attackers in world football.
The diminutive winger that made his name at rivals Liverpool has now developed into a more clinical and potent front man thanks to the coaching of Guardiola. There is no reason to doubt that the same line of progression can be seen with Bailey if he is to finalize a move to the blue half of Manchester.