Leon Bailey on the Verge of Serie A History with €25M Roma Transfer

Reggae Boyz winger Leon Bailey is set to complete his move, with Aston Villa and AS Roma now in the final stages of negotiations. If finalized, he will join Trivante Stewart, who previously played for Salernitana, as one of only two Jamaican-born footballers to feature in Italy’s top flight

Bailey to become first Jamaican player at Italian giants AS Roma (Photo: Getty Images)

Reggae Boyz winger Leon Bailey is on the verge of making history as the first Jamaican to play for Italian giants AS Roma in Serie A.

According to multiple reports, Roma are in the final stages of negotiations with Aston Villa over a deal worth around €25 million for the Jamaican international.

If completed, Bailey would join Trivante Stewart, who previously featured for Salernitana, as one of only two Jamaican-born footballers to play in Italy’s top flight.

The Giallorossi’s new boss, Gian Piero Gasperini, who joined the club after a successful nine-year stint at Atalanta, is leading a squad overhaul and is keen to strengthen his attacking options before the close of the summer transfer window. Bailey has consistently been reported as one of his top targets.

Bailey’s departure from Villa looks increasingly imminent. Manager Unai Emery left him out of the squad for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Newcastle, later admitting, “I think he’ll leave.”

Renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed Roma’s interest, adding that the Italian side have approached Manchester United over Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia. The 26-year-old, who has struggled for minutes at Old Trafford, is also drawing interest from Turkish club Besiktas.

However, Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho seems unlikely to join the Italian capital club. Despite United being open to accepting a £20 million bid, no agreement has been reached on personal terms.