Back
31.01.2017Bayer 04

Bayer 04 sign rising star Leon Bailey

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the Jamaican striker Leon Bailey with immediate effect. The 19-year-old joins the club from Belgian Europa League participants KRC Genk on a five-year contract to 2022.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

"In Leon Bailey we have brought in another highly promising player on a long-term deal," declared Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade. "This lad was also high up on the wish list of many other European clubs. That makes as even happier to have won out against such strong competition."

Sporting director Rudi Völler believes Bailey, who is entitled to play in the Champions League in spite of Europa League appearances for Genk, fits in perfectly with the Werkself system. "He's an unusually quick, very tricky player who will give our attack an additional boost. We are sure Leon Bailey will be a big hit for us."

The player is very happy to wear the Werkself shirt. “Bayer 04 are a good club. I’d like to take my next important step here. Leverkusen are well known as a club where you can really develop. And the way they play football is attractive. I like that,” said Leon Bailey who will wear the number nine shirt this season.

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Related News

Alle Infos zur Frühbucherphase für die Bundesliga-Heimspiele 2026/27
Bayer 04 - 20.07.2026

Update on the early-bird booking period for 2026/27 Bundesliga home matches

Bayer 04 preparations for the 2026/27 season are in full swing, with the first friendly now under their belts. Although there are still around seven weeks to go until the first Bundesliga home game in early September, there is already huge anticipation for the start of competitive action for head coach Carles Martínez’s team at the BayArena. For the Bundesliga home matches of the new season, here is the latest information regarding the first phase of single-match ticket sales. The tried-and-tested early-bird phase remains in place. From 23 to 31 July, tickets for matches will go on sale on weekdays; the early-bird phase ends on 5 August at the latest – provided tickets are still available by then.

Show more
Gruppenbild vor dem Hotel Gut Matheshof
Women - 19.07.2026

'Very good energy and mentality': Pätzold reviews women's training camp in Rieden

Like last year, Bayer 04 Women held their summer training camp in Rieden. Coach Roberto Pätzold gives his assessment of the time in the Upper Palatinate, discusses the integration of the 11 new players and the unusual team building measures, gives his thoughts on the friendly and looks ahead to the start of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga season in August.

Show more
Öffentliches Training der Werkself
Bayer 04 - 19.07.2026

Open training session on Tuesday at start of summer holidays – Special surprise in store

Just in time for the start of the summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Werkself will hold another open training session on Tuesday 21 July. The session at the BayArena is scheduled to start at 11:00 CEST and will again be available to watch in a live stream. The fans who are there can look forward to a very special surprise.

Show more
Werkself beim Torjubel
Bayer 04 - 18.07.2026

Moreira nets brace in 7-0 win over SF Baumberg in opening friendly

Bayer 04 turned in a dominant performance in a 7-0 win against fifth-tier side Sportfreunde Baumberg in their first friendly ahead of the 2026/27 season. A brace from debutant Afonso Moreira (19', 27') either side of a Christian Kofane strike (23') put the Werkself 3-0 up in the first of the two 35-minute halves in Monheim am Rhein. After the break, Victor Boniface (49', 53'), Robert Andrich (56') and Nathan Tella (67') scored for the completely changed Leverkusen team. It was therefore a successful friendly debut for new head coach Carles Martínez and his team, although the hosts also had something to celebrate despite the defeat: the match marked the inauguration of Baumberg's new ground, the MEGA Stadion.

Show more