Bailey joins Roma on season-long loan from Villa

By Author On Aug 21, 2025

Leon Bailey, the Jamaican winger, has joined Serie A club Roma on a season-long loan from Aston Villa for the 2025-26 season. The deal includes an option for Roma to buy him permanently for around €22 million (£19 million). Bailey, 28, moved to Villa in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen and has made 144 appearances with 22 goals for the Premier League club. This move comes as Roma looks to boost its attacking options, with Bailey expected to add pace and skill on the wings. Villa extended Bailey’s contract in 2024 until 2027, signaling their belief in his potential despite a recent dip in form. Fans can expect Bailey to don the Roma colors soon after completing his medical in Rome.

Transfer overview
Bailey’s performance insights
Impact on Roma and Villa
Fan perspectives and expert quotes
How to follow Bailey this season
FAQs

Transfer Overview: Bailey’s Switch to Roma Explained

Leon Bailey’s loan to Roma for the 2025-26 season is a strategic acquisition by the Italian club aiming to strengthen their forward line. The season-long loan from Aston Villa carries an option to buy, giving Roma flexibility in deciding Bailey’s future beyond this season. The loan fee is reportedly around €3 million (£2.6 million), with Roma covering all salary costs.

At 28, Bailey brings valuable top-level experience. His move marks Roma’s seventh signing this summer and highlights the club’s ambition to compete in Serie A and on the European stage. With Roma finishing fifth last Serie A season, new attacking talent like Bailey and fellow Premier League loanee Evan Ferguson from Brighton signals a push to climb higher.

Bailey arrived at Villa in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen for roughly £25 million and became known for his pace, creativity, and goal threat. Having played 144 games and scored 22 goals for Aston Villa, his journey to Roma presents a fresh chapter to rediscover his best form and impact on the pitch.

Bailey’s Career Highlights and Recent Performance Breakdown

Leon Bailey enjoyed a career-high scoring season in 2023-24, netting 14 goals across 52 appearances in all competitions, helping Villa achieve a Champions League quarter-final spot. However, last season he struggled to replicate that form, managing only two goals in 38 outings amidst injury and fitness issues.

In February 2024, Villa extended Bailey’s contract until 2027, underscoring their faith in his recovery and long-term value. Despite recent challenges, Bailey remains a dynamic winger praised for his dribbling and ability to threaten defenses.

His time at Villa saw a seamless transition from the Bundesliga, where he made a name at Bayer Leverkusen, to the intense physicality and tactical demands of the Premier League. Bailey’s versatility to play on both wings and his quick acceleration make him a constant danger in counterattacks.

What Bailey’s Loan Means for Roma and Aston Villa

Roma gains a versatile and experienced winger ready to inject pace and creativity into their attack. Bailey is expected to slot in quickly and add energy against Serie A defenses. The option to buy for €22 million gives Roma a strategic pathway to permanent acquisition if he impresses this season.

For Villa, loaning Bailey offers a chance for the player to regain top form and confidence at a club competing in a different tactical setup. It also frees up squad space to potentially integrate new signings while keeping Bailey under contract for the near future.

Villa’s coach Unai Emery highlighted Bailey’s importance for the team previously, emphasizing his ability to play wide and threaten behind defenses. While his limited game time last season was linked to injuries, this loan is a clear opportunity for resurgence.

Personal Insights and Fan Reactions

From my perspective following Bailey’s career, this loan to Roma could be a pivotal move. Serie A’s more tactical style might favor Bailey’s skills differently than the Premier League’s physical grind. If he adapts swiftly, this could be the season that re-establishes him as one of the most exciting wingers in Europe.

Fans from both Villa and Roma have expressed mixed but optimistic feelings on social media. Villa supporters wish him well, acknowledging his crucial role in their recent Champions League journey, while Roma fans look forward to a buzz of pace and creativity on the flank.

Leon Bailey’s own excitement was palpable after signing, underscoring his readiness for the challenge ahead and his ambition to help Roma achieve their season goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leon Bailey’s Loan to Roma

Who is Leon Bailey and where did he play before Roma?
Leon Bailey is a Jamaican winger who played for Aston Villa after signing from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. He now joins Roma on a season-long loan.

Is this a permanent transfer or a loan deal?
It is initially a loan for the 2025-26 season, but Roma holds an option to buy Bailey permanently for around €22 million.

How has Bailey performed recently?
Bailey scored a career-high 14 goals in the 2023-24 season but faced a dip last season with only 2 goals, affected by injuries.

What impact will Bailey have at Roma?
Bailey’s pace and wing play are expected to boost Roma’s attack, providing creativity and goal threats in Serie A.

How long is Bailey’s contract with Aston Villa?
He extended his contract in February 2024, securing his stay at Villa until 2027.

Where can fans watch Bailey play this season?
Fans can watch Roma’s Serie A and other competition matches, with official tickets available on Roma’s website and matches broadcast globally.

By closely following Bailey’s journey this season at Roma, fans will witness an exciting chapter for a talented player eager to make his mark in Serie A once again. This move not only offers Bailey a chance to revitalize his career but also adds a new dynamic to Roma’s attacking options that could prove decisive in their campaign ahead.