Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey has joined AS Roma on loan for the 2025/26 season, with the Italian side holding an option to buy.
The 28-year-old Jamaican international arrived at Villa Park from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 for £25 million, making 144 appearances and scoring 22 goals during his time in the Premier League.
Bailey enjoyed his best campaign in 2023/24, netting 14 goals in 52 matches across all competitions, but struggled last season with just two goals in 38 outings. Despite signing a new contract with Villa in February 2024, which runs until 2027, he has now made the switch to Serie A.
According to reports, Roma will pay around €2 million (£1.7m) for the loan, with the option to make the deal permanent for €23 million (£19.8m) — a move seen as a low-risk gamble for the Italians while helping Villa ease financial pressure.
Roma confirmed the signing in a statement:
“AS Roma are delighted to announce the signing of Leon Bailey from Aston Villa. The winger joins the club on loan with an option to buy. Bailey is the first Jamaican footballer in AS Roma history.”
Born in Kingston, Bailey moved to Europe at the age of 13 and has since played for Genk, Bayer Leverkusen, and Aston Villa. Across his career, he has featured in 377 games and scored 76 goals. He will wear the No. 31 shirt for Roma.
Bailey becomes the second Premier League player to move to Roma this window, following Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.
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