Leon Bailey Joins AS Roma on Loan from Aston Villa

AS Roma have signed Jamaican winger Leon Bailey on a season-long loan from Aston Villa. The deal includes a €2 million loan fee, and Roma have the option to buy Bailey for €22 million at the end of the season, as confirmed in recent reports.

THE AGREEMENT: HOW THE DEAL WAS DONE

Roma signed Bailey after negotiations with Aston Villa. Several clubs were interested, but Bailey preferred a move to Italy. Roma will pay a €2 million loan fee and cover Bailey’s salary while he is with the club. They have a non-mandatory buy option for €22 million, as reported previously.

Bailey has two years left on his Villa contract but struggled last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 1,950 minutes over 38 games. This was a drop from the previous season, where he scored 10 goals and made nine assists in the Premier League.

WHY ROMA MOVED FOR BAILEY

AS Roma aim to strengthen their attack after a mixed 2024-25 season, finishing fifth with 69 points and just missing out on Champions League qualification. The team failed to qualify for the Champions League on the last matchday, and Bailey offers speed and experience to Roma’s forward line, which lacked consistency last year, according to multiple reports.

At Villa, he was often a rotation player, but Roma hope he can return to his best form seen in England and Germany. At 28, Bailey brings experience and the eagerness to prove himself at a big European club.

WHAT LIES AHEAD THIS SEASON

Bailey might debut in Roma’s Serie A opener this weekend against Bologna, a team that ended in 9th and won the Coppa Italia last season. Roma want to start well as they aim for a top-four return. The club hopes Bailey can help close this gap and guide them back to the Champions League. Meanwhile, Aston Villa started their Premier League campaign against Newcastle where they drew 0-0 and are seeking more attacking options after finishing sixth last year and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.