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