Bayern Munich: Leon Bailey regrets deciding against a move to Bavaria
The last few windows have witnessed some high-profile forwards arriving at Bayern Munich, while Robert Lewandowski has been the biggest departure in the attacking department of the squad. The Polish striker became the most expensive sale in the club’s history when he joined Barcelona for €50 million last summer.
In terms of high-profile arrivals, Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane have been the big and expensive attacking signings for Rekordmeister in the past three years. The Bavarian club also brought in the experienced striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on a free transfer in 2020. Die Roten also paid a big fee for Mathys Tel last summer.
Amidst the four attacking arrivals, Bayern has been linked with numerous forwards in the Bundesliga and other leagues in Europe. The Bavarian club probably works on several deals to make sure that they have options if the primary target fails to join.
Leon Bailey is one of the several forwards that held talks to join Die Roten in the past, but a transfer didn’t materialize. Bailey was linked with a move to Bavaria when he was thriving at Bayer Leverkusen a few seasons ago. While talking to SportBild, Bailey confirms that Die Roten wanted him to become the successor of Arjen Robben.
"“I’ve made a big mistake in the past. It could have been a great transfer. Bayern wanted me, they even visited me at home. But despite everything, Leverkusen didn’t want to let me go. Bayern wanted me to replace Robben.”"
Die Roten had to replace Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben together in 2019. The Bavarian club had Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman already in the squad, so they needed one more wide player. Apart from Bailey, Bayern tried hard to sign Leroy Sane from Manchester City in the same summer window. However, Sane suffered a serious knee injury in August 2019, which scuppered the transfer.
Bayern eventually signed Ivan Perisic on a loan deal from Inter Milan. Sane arrived at the club for €50 million in 2020. The record Bundesliga champions never reignited their interest in Bailey. The Jamaican forward excelled for Leverkusen in his last season (2020/21) before joining Aston Villa for a significant fee.
Bailey has blown hot and cold for Aston Villa in the last 18 months. He will be hoping to rediscover his best form under Unai Emery. If he manages to start scoring consistently in the Premier League, Bailey could end up getting a big move in the future. Who knows, Bayern may bring him back to the Bundesliga.
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For now, Die Roten is well covered in wide positions. Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and Kingsley Coman are in the prime of their careers, while Sadio Mane provides experiences. Jamal Musiala and Mathys Tel are youthful options in the wide areas for Die Roten. The next attacking addition for Rekordmeister is set to be in the number nine role at the end of the current season.