David Ornstein: AS Roma ‘in Talks’ to Sign Aston Villa Star | OneFootball

Leon Bailey Linked with Roma: Aston Villa’s Winger Could Depart

Roma are reportedly in discussions with Aston Villa regarding a potential move for Jamaican winger Leon Bailey, according to David Ornstein and Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic. Sources suggest the deal under consideration is a loan with an obligation, with Bailey currently training separately from the Villa first team.

Bailey, who signed a contract extension in February 2024 running until 2027, is among several players made available for transfer this summer, alongside Alex Moreno and Leander Dendoncker. Interest in the 28-year-old spans Turkey, including Besiktas, and the Saudi Pro League, but Roma appear to be the frontrunner after earlier talks over a move to Saudi Arabia stalled.

Villa’s Squad Dynamics and Bailey’s Role

The winger has been utilised sparingly under head coach Unai Emery, appearing in 24 Premier League games last season but starting just 14. Emery previously acknowledged Bailey’s struggles, noting, “Every day I am speaking with him about it. He is accepting my challenge to get the best of him like last year. We need him. Leon is a very specific player for us as a winger, threatening in behind.”

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Bailey’s dip in form coincided with injuries and illness towards the end of the previous campaign, which disrupted his start to the 2024-25 season. His reduced involvement highlights Villa’s broader attacking inconsistencies, which have at times relied heavily on moments of individual brilliance rather than collective fluidity.

Career Journey and Premier League Impact

Bailey’s career path has been varied, beginning in the lower leagues of Austria with Anif Jugend and Liefering, followed by a spell at AS Trencin in Slovakia. He then progressed to Belgian side Genk, making 77 appearances before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2017.

Joining Aston Villa in August 2021 for a fee around £30million, Bailey has amassed 144 appearances, contributing 22 goals and 24 assists. His efforts helped Villa qualify for the Champions League in 2023-24 and reach the semi-finals of the Conference League. Despite his recent struggles, Bailey’s pace and ability to exploit space behind defences remain valuable assets.

Transfer Market Implications

If Bailey’s move to Roma is completed, he would become the Italian club’s seventh signing of the summer and their second player recruited from the Premier League, following Brighton striker Evan Ferguson. Besiktas, meanwhile, have added six new faces during this transfer window. While no bid has been formally lodged, discussions between Villa and Roma are ongoing, keeping fans and pundits watching closely.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Aston Villa supporter’s perspective, the potential departure of Leon Bailey presents mixed emotions. On one hand, Bailey has demonstrated moments of sheer brilliance that have directly influenced results, yet inconsistency and injury concerns have limited his impact in recent campaigns. While losing a player of his calibre could unsettle Villa’s attacking options, it also signals a pragmatic approach to squad management.

Financially, a move to Roma could free up resources to invest in fresh talent better aligned with Emery’s tactical philosophy, potentially allowing Villa to strengthen multiple areas rather than retaining a player struggling for form. Fans may feel apprehensive about seeing a key figure leave, particularly one who played a pivotal role in the club’s Champions League qualification, but the reality of modern football demands difficult decisions.

From a tactical standpoint, Bailey’s departure would necessitate creative adjustments on the wing. Villa would likely need to integrate either academy prospects or new signings capable of replicating his directness and threat in behind defences. For supporters, there is a cautious optimism that this could lead to a more balanced and resilient team, even if it means bidding farewell to a player whose highlights will be fondly remembered.

Ultimately, this report underscores the fluidity of the transfer window and the fine line between retaining talent and reshaping a squad for sustained success. Whether Bailey thrives at Roma or Villa reinvents their attack without him, it is clear that both the club and the player are navigating a pivotal juncture in their respective journeys.