bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen's Leon Bailey to represent Jamaica at Gold Cup

3 years ago

Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey is to represent Jamaica at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the USA this summer.

The Kingston-born 21-year-old has played for his country of birth once at U23 level - scoring a free-kick against the Cayman Islands in March 2015 – but that is his only international appearance to date. He is yet to feature at senior level following suggestions he could be eligible for a number of European countries, including England, Belgium and Malta.

Bailey has been out of action since 20 April due to a hamstring injury. - imago images / Team 2

However, the Leverkusen attacker has now pledged his future to the Caribbean nation, posting a picture of himself in a Jamaica shirt on social media alongside the words: "I promise to wear the colors black green and gold with honor, pride, and dignity while aiming to be a positive role model for kids with a dream."

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes also confirmed the club had received official contact from the Jamaican football association: "We've got the invitation for Leon and wish him all the best at the tournament."

Bailey registered five goals and one assist in 29 Bundesliga appearances in 2018/19 – including a stunning free-kick in a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich - but has not played since sustaining a hamstring injury against Nuremberg on Matchday 30.

Bailey (2nd r.) could once again tussle with Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie (2nd l.) when Jamaica meet the USA in a friendly on 5 June. - Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Bongarts/Getty Images

If fit, he could make his international debut against fellow Bundesliga stars including Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Josh Sargent in a friendly against the USA in Washington DC on 5 June.

The Gold Cup officially kicks off ten days later, with Jamaica facing Honduras (17thJune), El Salvador (21stJune) and Curaçao (25 June) in the group stage.