Roma has secured Leon Bailey from Aston Villa on a season-long loan, with an option to buy. The 28-year-old Jamaican winger, formerly of Genk, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa, becomes Roma’s first Jamaican player. Bailey’s arrival follows a productive stint in the Premier League, including a standout 2023-24 season. This is Roma’s second Premier League loan this summer, and they have also made other permanent signings, boosting squad depth. The move benefits both clubs, offering Bailey regular play and enhancing Roma’s attacking options for the upcoming season.
AS Roma has officially announced the acquisition of Jamaican international Leon Bailey from Aston Villa on a season-long loan deal. The 28-year-old winger is set to spend the 2025-26 campaign with the Giallorossi, adding a significant boost to their attacking options. Roma also secures an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.
Bailey’s move to the Italian capital marks a significant milestone in his career, becoming the first Jamaican player to don the Roma jersey. His journey to the Serie A giants includes previous stints with Genk, Bayer Leverkusen, and Aston Villa, showcasing his experience across various European leagues. The transfer is seen as a strategic move by Roma to enhance their squad depth and inject pace and creativity into their attacking play.
Prior to joining Roma, Bailey spent a considerable amount of time in the Premier League with Aston Villa, where he demonstrated his capabilities as a versatile winger. He joined Villa Park ahead of the 2021-22 season, following an impressive four-and-a-half-year spell with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. During his time in the Premier League, Bailey made 110 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 17 assists, underscoring his ability to both find the net and create opportunities for his teammates.
Leon Bailey è un nuovo calciatore giallorosso!
https://t.co/famDyd9RTu#ASRoma pic.twitter.com/MsnwuUGqYE
— AS Roma (@OfficialASRoma) August 20, 2025
One of Bailey's most impressive seasons came in 2023-24 when he scored 10 goals and assisted nine more, playing a crucial role in helping Aston Villa secure a coveted Champions League spot. Only Ollie Watkins, with 19 goals, surpassed Bailey in the scoring charts for the Villans that season, highlighting Bailey’s importance to the team’s success.
The Jamaican winger's arrival at Roma is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad. Bailey is Roma's second loan signing from the Premier League this summer, following the acquisition of Evan Ferguson. In addition to these loan deals, Roma has also permanently acquired Neil El Aynaoui, Wesley Franca, and Daniele Ghilardi, signaling their intent to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
Roma’s manager expressed his enthusiasm about the new signing, emphasizing Bailey's potential to add a new dimension to the team's attack. He highlighted Bailey's pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals as key attributes that will benefit the team. The manager also noted that Bailey's experience in both the Bundesliga and the Premier League would be invaluable as he adapts to the Serie A.
Bailey himself conveyed his excitement about joining Roma and playing in the Serie A. He spoke of his eagerness to work with the manager and his new teammates, expressing his determination to contribute to the team's success. Bailey also acknowledged the passion and intensity of the Roma fans, stating that he looks forward to playing in front of them at the Stadio Olimpico.
The loan deal for Leon Bailey is viewed as a win-win situation for both Roma and Aston Villa. Roma gains a talented and experienced winger to bolster their attack, while Bailey gets an opportunity to play regular football and showcase his skills in a new league. Aston Villa, on the other hand, can benefit from Bailey gaining valuable playing time and experience, potentially increasing his value in the future.
As Roma prepares for the 2025-26 season, the addition of Leon Bailey brings a renewed sense of optimism and excitement among the fans. With a blend of new signings and established players, Roma aims to compete for major honors in both domestic and European competitions. The signing of Bailey underscores the club's ambition and commitment to building a successful and competitive team.