Earlier on Tuesday we covered a report from Belgium detailing Genk’s current problems with Leon Bailey. The 19 year old didn’t train on Sunday, and after a chat with his manager on Monday he’s been pulled out of the club’s next match.
The insinuation is that Bailey’s head has been turned by interest from other clubs, and the original Belgium report mentioned AS Roma, Bayer Leverkusen and Everton. With Genk’s asking price being €25m, it was assumed the first two clubs wouldn’t match that, leaving Everton.
Ronald Koeman had sanctioned no offer, but it now seems Hull City are trying to buy the player… for around half the price.
Belgium’s Voetbal Krant claim an exclusive on Tuesday afternoon, stating Hull have a ‘personal agreement’ to sign the player, with no details of what that agreement consists of.
As for Genk, Hull would reportedly be willing to offer €11m for 75% of the player’s rights. That sets alarm bells ringing immediately, with regards to third party ownership.
Voetbal Krant says Bailey’s father is claiming 25% of any transfer fee, and Hull would have to cover that, at the same time, to avoid third party ownership sanctions.
It’s obviously much less than Genk’s asking price, but there’s every chance Everton and others have backed off due to the messy nature of a deal. Agent Mitch Bakkovens is said to be ‘negotiating for both clubs’ which could lead to another minefield.
