Butler: Time is right for Bailey’s next move
Craig Butler, the adoptive father of Bayer Leverkusen star and Reggae Boy Leon Bailey, says the winger has been drawing interest from several big clubs in Italy and England. However, he said the 23-year-old will only make a move if the deal is right.
According to Butler, the player, who is currently represented by football agent Aidy Ward, is communicating with English giants Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Everton. Meanwhile in Italy, they are also in talks with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli. However, he emphasised that for the player to move the deal must please all parties involved.
“We have several interests and communications going on in Italy and England. But some people don’t understand the business of football or the timing of when you need to move.
Leon and I are contemplating our options. So whatever options come we will look at them. But football is a business, and we have to understand the business of football and the business of sports,” he reasoned.
‘OPEN TO GOOD BUSINESS’
“Leverkusen are open to good business, so if a move makes good business for Leverkusen, Leon and myself, then it will work well for everybody. So if the funding is there and the terms are correct, then he will move. But when we leave Leverkusen we want to have a good relationship with them,” he continued.
Some German football experts believe that another season or half in the Bundesliga would be good for the left-sided player as well as his team, but Butler believes the time is right for a move.
“The time (for a move) is always right whenever there is a good offer. He (Bailey) has been at Leverkusen for two and a half years. We will speak with Leverkusen and see where they are at, but it’s time to look at what is out there. We need to speak with the (purchasing) clubs and see what are the packages they are offering. So we are weighing everything, but we have to look at what is there, we cannot ignore it,” he told STAR Sports.
Bailey, who had a below-par 2019-20 season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 22 matches, is still widely regarded as one of the best young attackers in the German first division; and since the end of the German football season, there has been much speculation regarding his next destination.
But even though he has made his desire to play in England public, Butler said the best deal on the table is what they will consider.
“He (Bailey) doesn’t have a preferred destination. He is a footballer, and his aim is to represent his club and make money, because he doesn’t have a long career. But if it (move) is possible and the challenge is there and the funds are right, then sure, why not?” he said.