Leon Bailey Arrives In Rome To Complete Move From Aston Villa

Leon Bailey has landed in Italy and is set to sign for AS Roma from Aston Villa. The Jamaican winger arrives on a loan deal, with Roma holding an option to make his move permanent next summer for €22 million, as confirmed by reports.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The 28-year-old winger touched down in Rome on Monday to undergo his medical tests and complete paperwork. Roma agreed to bring Bailey in on an initial loan for a €2 million fee, with an option to buy for €22 million. Bailey had not featured for Aston Villa in their Premier League opener, having been left out of the squad amid transfer talks. He chose Roma despite interest from Spanish clubs. As recent updates indicate, Bailey is expected to finalize his transfer shortly.

BAILEY AND ROMA: THE NEED FOR CHANGE

Bailey, who joined Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, struggled for form and fitness last season. He managed 3 goal contributions in 38 games for Villa, scoring three goals and providing four assists over 1,950 minutes. He started only a portion of matches and was no longer a first-team regular. Roma, aiming to boost their attacking options after a fifth-place Serie A finish in 2024/25, had targeted reinforcements on the wings. With Paulo Dybala, Tommaso Baldanzi, and Stephan El Shaarawy already at the club, Bailey’s arrival adds pace and directness, enhancing their options for a stronger attack this season, as reported in recent updates.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR BAILEY AND ROMA?

Bailey will integrate into a Roma squad looking to improve after a difficult previous campaign. They begin their 2025/26 Serie A season this weekend against Bologna, who won the Coppa Italia last year. Roma are aiming to close the gap to the top four, with last season’s fourth place, Atalanta, finishing five points above. Bailey will hope to make his debut as soon as the transfer is finalized, offering manager Gian Piero Gasperini a new option on the flanks, as they look to return to the Champions League spots after finishing fifth last season.