As reported by the Daily Mail, Leon Bailey has signed a one-year contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen.

What’s the story?

Bailey enjoyed a spectacular breakout campaign in the Bundesliga last time out, during which he notched 9 goals and provided 6 assists in 30 top flight outings.

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The 21-year-old’s sparkling form attracted the interest of many major European outfits this summer, as stated in the aforementioned report.

According to Goal, Manchester United had interest in Bailey back in January.

The Red Devils didn’t pursue the winger’s signature this summer though - a decision that the likes of Ed Woodward and Jose Mourinho may soon come to regret.

Leon Bailey playing for Bayer Leverkusen

An opportunity missed

It is unlikely that Bayer Leverkusen hold any long term ambitions of keeping the explosive youngster at the club. 

The Jamaica-born attacker’s prodigious talent will surely see him join a giant of the European game before long. This latest contract extension at least seems to ensure that the German club will be able to command a huge fee in return for Bailey.

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If United were to revive their interest in Bailey in the next transfer window, they’d likely find that the asking price has sky rocketed following this renewal of terms. Bringing Bailey to Old Trafford now represents a far greater task than it may have been earlier in the summer.

That being said, the young star would still represent an exceptional acquisition for the English club. True out-and-out wingers are currently in short supply at Old Trafford. Making Bailey a Red Devil soon could see them have one of the world’s best wide players lighting up the theatre of dreams for years to come.