Leon Bailey Move to AS Roma Nears Completion

Leon Bailey is close to joining AS Roma. His agents are in Italy to finalize a loan move with a buy option from Aston Villa. The Jamaican winger wants a fresh start in Serie A.

WHAT HAPPENED?

AS Roma are in the final stages of signing Leon Bailey. They are negotiating a loan with a buy option, worth around €25 million, with Aston Villa. Bailey’s agents are in Italy to quickly seal the deal. Unai Emery, Aston Villa’s manager, has confirmed Bailey will not play in Villa’s Premier League opener against Newcastle. Emery said Bailey is “unavailable” as he is “in contact with another club.” Bailey is likely to leave Villa soon. Last season, Bailey scored three goals and provided four assists in 1,950 minutes over 38 games, highlighting his potential impact at Roma as he nears his exit.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bailey’s time at Aston Villa was inconsistent. He joined from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 but struggled for starts, playing 2,072 minutes in all competitions last season. Villa finished sixth in the Premier League, missing out on Champions League qualification while level on points with Newcastle. Roma finished fifth in Serie A and earned a Europa League spot. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini wants to improve his attack, and Bailey is seen as a key addition to strengthen their front line. Bailey turned down other offers, including from Turkish club Besiktas, to join Roma.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Roma aim to finalize the transfer before their Serie A opener against Bologna next week. Roma are chasing Napoli and Juventus, who are two of the favourites to win the league this season. Their upcoming fixtures include a match against Bologna, who finished 9th last season and seek European qualification. Bailey’s departure frees Aston Villa to explore new signings and rely on young talents as they aim to build on last season’s success. Bailey’s arrival at Roma could boost their attack as Gasperini’s squad aims to challenge for a top-four finish and progress in the Europa League following a tough season last year.