Bayer Leverkusen have announced Leon Bailey has put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with the club running until 2023.
Bailey, who has been linked with moves to Chelsea in the past, was reportedly keen on leaving Leverkusen this summer.
The German side have not only managed to fend off interest from their European rivals, but they have now confirmed details of a new long-term contract for the 21-year-old.
“Over the past weeks and months there have been constant rumours about Leon’s future,” Leverkusen’s sporting director, Jonas Boldt, told the club’s official website.
“The player has obviously been flattered to be sought after by one or two of the big clubs. However: he really feels at home at Leverkusen, he is very professional in his approach and he knows Bayer is a very good club where he can continue to develop. That’s why we agreed to extend his contract early.”
Bailey still had four years remaining on his previous deal but Leverkusen have rewarded the youngster with improved terms following his good performances last season.
The Jamaican-born winger signed from Belgian side Genk in January 2017 but was forced to be patient for his first-team opportunities before really flourishing last term.
Bailey scored nine goals and provided six assists in 30 league appearances last season, winning the WhoScored Man of the Match award on four occasions.
Furthermore, no player aged 21 and under created more goalscoring opportunities in the Bundesliga last season than Bailey (59).
