Leon Bailey has completed his loan switch from Aston Villa to AS Roma, becoming the first Jamaican to play for the club.
Softfootball can reveal that the one-year deal comes with an option to buy at the end of the season long loan.
AS Roma confirmed the news in a statement via the official club media. It read:
“AS Roma is delighted to announce the signing of Leon Bailey from Aston Villa. The deal ends on loan with an option to buy.
“Born in 1997, Bailey is the first Jamaican footballer in Giallorossi’s history. Born in Kingston, he moved to Europe at the age of 13 and played professionally for Genk, Bayer Leverkusen, and Aston Villa.
“Playing as an attacking winger, he has made 377 appearances in national and international competitions, scoring 76 goals.
“Bailey chose the number 31 shirt.
“Welcome to Rome, Leon!”
The 28-year-old joined Aston Villa for £25m from Bundesliga side, Bayer Leverkusen in 2021 and went on to score 22 goals in 144 appearances in all competitions.
The 2023-24 season was the best yet for Bailey as he scored a career-high 14 goals in 52 matches in all competitions but failed to replicate that last season as he scored just twice in 38 matches.
Bailey signed a new contract with Aston Villa in February 2024 that runs until 2027 but had to leave to regain form and allow Unai Emery side bring in reinforcement this season.
Roma fans can expert Bailey’s blistering speed and his close control at high speed which makes him a constant threat on transitions.
A key part of Bailey’s game is cutting inside from the right wing and unleashing a powerful shot with his left foot. The Jamaican has also shown improvement in his finishing accuracy in recent seasons apart from last season.
Bailey was not part of the Aston Villa side that drew goalless against Newcastle United on the opening day of the Premier League last weekend.
