AS Roma have officially confirmed the signing of Jamaican international Leon Bailey from Aston Villa, in what could prove to be a pivotal move in their summer transfer strategy.

The 28-year-old winger joins the Giallorossi on a season-long loan, with an option to buy at the end of the 2025/26 campaign. Bailey becomes the first Jamaican player in the club’s history — a landmark moment for both the player and the Italian side.

Bailey, who moved to Europe at just 13, brings with him a wealth of experience from stints at KRC Genk, Bayer Leverkusen, and most recently Aston Villa. Over the course of his career, he has made 377 appearances across domestic and international competitions, scoring 76 goals.

He is the sixth summer arrival at the Stadio Olimpico, following the signings of Daniele Gilardi, Evan Ferguson, Neil El Aynaoui, Davies Vasquez, and Wesley. The club is clearly investing heavily under the leadership of manager Daniele De Rossi as they aim to compete on multiple fronts this season.

But Roma aren’t finished yet. Sources close to the club suggest they remain strongly interested in Jadon Sancho, the unsettled Manchester United forward. According to Football Italia, the arrival of Bailey — who shares a close friendship with Sancho — could be a strategic move to help lure the England international to the Italian capital.