AS Roma Move Forward In Pursuit Of Leon Bailey

AS Roma are making progress in talks to sign Leon Bailey from Aston Villa, and they’re also trying to make a deal for Jadon Sancho. The club’s officials are stepping up discussions with Bailey’s agents while holding separate negotiations for Sancho. They’re hoping to strengthen their attack for the upcoming season.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In recent days, Roma have ramped up their pursuit of Leon Bailey. They have scheduled more meetings with Bailey’s agents regarding a move. Meanwhile, Roma continue to actively negotiate with Manchester United about signing Jadon Sancho. The club insists these deals are not alternatives but rather concurrent targets to improve last season’s inconsistent attack. Besiktas, who initially inquired about Bailey last week, are no longer engaged in talks following Roma’s accelerated efforts to land the Jamaican winger.

ROMA AND VILLA: CURRENT FORM AND CONTEXT

AS Roma finished fifth in the 2024-25 Serie A season, narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot on the last matchday behind Juventus. Their goal-scoring was subpar, netting only 56 in the league—the worst attack of any team in the top-8. Their primary wingers combined for only nine league goals. Aston Villa, Bailey’s club, finished sixth in the Premier League, qualifying them for the UEFA Europa League after losing to Manchester United in the last matchday. Bailey was a standout performer, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in 33 matches, proving to be one of Villa’s most reliable attacking options. If a deal is reached, Roma will look to Bailey for an immediate upgrade in their wide play to strengthen their attack after a tough 2024-25 Serie A season.

LOOKING AHEAD: KEY FIXTURES AND TRANSFER OUTLOOK

Roma’s first Serie A match is against Bologna, who finished 9th last season. Securing three points could set the stage for a good start against direct European rivals. Bologna were the Coppa Italia winners, making a win crucial. Aston Villa, on the other hand, open their Premier League campaign against Newcastle, hoping for a stronger start than last season’s shaky opening. With Roma advancing on deals for both Bailey and Sancho, the team shows clear intent to build a squad capable of competing for a top-four position and aiming for deeper European runs. More transfer updates are expected in the coming days as Roma aim to wrap up their summer business before the window closes.