Everton must swoop for Leon Bailey this summer | OneFootball

It took Rafa Benitez a while to get going in the transfer market after becoming the new manager of Everton but he has finally delved into the club’s coffers.

On the chalkboard

Earlier this year, Football FanCast exclusively revealed that the Toffees were in the market to sign a right midfielder. They have indeed done that with the recent additions of Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray.

However, Benitez could immediately upgrade on the pair of them by acquiring Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey. According to The Athletic, the winger is on Everton’s radar this summer and they have ‘extensively assessed and have garnered positive feedback’ on the player.

Do you want Bailey at Everton?

No way!

Vote

Yes please!

Vote

Bailey has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a while now, and with Aston Villa also targeting the Jamaican, it feels as though this summer will be the year he finally makes the switch.

The 23-year-old is one of the most electrifying players in the Bundesliga and would provide an enormous boost to Everton’s attacking ranks.

Glowing reviews from Ronald de Boer and Rudi Voller sum up why. The former once commented: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points.”

Voller added: “He’s got extraordinary pace, he’s very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department.”

His pace and directness are comparable to Townsend and Gray but his potential and end product would make him a more exciting signing.

Bailey scored 15 goals last term, taking his tally for the club to 39. He also provided nine assists in the process, demonstrating tremendous creativity.

That tally was considerably better than the two attacking players Benitez has already signed. For instance, Townsend was only involved in six goals last term while Gray had a hand in just three.

All three players are particularly tricky in possession of the ball, but once again it’s Bailey who comes out on top. He recorded 2.5 dribbles per game in the German top flight last season, compared to Townsend’s 1.3 and Gray’s 0.9.

Of course, the Leverkusen forward will cost them considerably more, but he would be well worth the investment.

He was simply electric in 2020/21 and would surely light up the Premier League. Benitez must ensure he beats their Premier League rivals to his signature.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Rodriguez: Benitez must seal Everton swoop for “exceptional” 33-goal wizard…