Aston Villa Winger Leon Bailey Joins Roma on Loan with Buy Option

Leon Bailey, the 28-year-old Jamaican winger under contract with Aston Villa until 2027, has joined Serie A club AS Roma on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy for €22 million. Bailey struggled to maintain consistent game time at Aston Villa in recent seasons due to injury but was influential in previous campaigns, helping Villa reach the Champions League quarter-finals in 2024-25. At Roma, he will wear the number 31 shirt and aims to rejuvenate his career under new management as the club seeks to qualify for the Champions League again. Bailey is the first Jamaican player in Roma's history and joins alongside other summer signings as the club looks to strengthen its squad. His transfer may also influence Roma's pursuit of Manchester United's Jadon Sancho, a close friend of Bailey. Overall, the move marks a significant step for Bailey, transitioning from the Premier League to Serie A after four years with Aston Villa.