Leave it to Roma to save their signings for late in the transfer window, but today’s capture of Leon Bailey was nearly a decade in the making, so we’ll cut the Giallorossi some slack. Bailey, 28, was first linked to the capital club when he was a teenage sensation with Bayer Leverkusen. After four years with the German club, where he scored 28 goals and provided 18 assists, Bailey signed with Aston Villa, featuring prominently for the Villains over the past four seasons.
But now he’s all Roma’s:
Earlier today, Roma officially announced that they signed Bailey on loan from Aston Villa. While the club didn’t divulge the financial aspects of the deal, rumor holds that Roma will take Bailey on an initial €3 million loan with a €22 million option to buy. This shrewd try-before-you-buy deal will give Gian Piero Gasperini and Roma a year to decide whether or not Bailey is in their long-term plans before investing significant funds in the Jamaican winger.
From the official club release:
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, he moved to Europe at the age of 13 and has played professionally for Genk, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old has made 377 appearances in domestic and international league competitions, racking up 76 goals.
Bailey has chosen to wear the number 31 shirt.
Welcome to Roma, Leon!
While it’s doubtful that Bailey will start this weekend’s season opener against Bologna, don’t be surprised if he makes an appearance off the bench in the second half. Either way, this is a brilliant move from Ricky Massara and Roma.
