When Leon Bailey departed his plane in Rome, he shared his confidence of transfer success with media and fans waiting for him. The Aston Villa owned player was ready to shine in Serie A and confident he could be a big asset for AS Roma.
Then he was injured in his first training session. That brought some worries given his troubled fitness past, and it was repeatedly explained in Italy that Roma were exercising caution. They didn’t want to rush the 28-year-old back and risk another injury.
Towards the end of his layoff, Bailey’s father and agent Craig Butler built hype in the Italian media. In comments which felt a temptation of fate even at the time, Butler said: “Soon, the player who constantly strives for excellence will return. Leon will soon return to the pitch for Roma and help them reach heights no one thought possible. I believe in it, and I know my son. Watch. Get your popcorn ready.”
Bailey returned at the end of October and amassed less than 200 minutes before injury struck again. This time it’s a hamstring issue.
That adds to a long list of muscle problems, and there’s a growing belief Roma have been unwise. Siamo La Roma say the injury has set ‘alarm bells ringing’, pointing out the player’s injury history.
The reports points out that even when he returned, Bailey didn’t seem fit. He wasn’t able to complete more than 50 minutes.
Aston Villa player frustrates AS Roma manager
Leon Bailey
Rome, Italy 23th October 2025: Leon Bailey of AS Roma during the UEFA Europa League 2025-26 football match between AS Roma vs Viktoria Plzeň at the Olimpico Stadium
Gazzetta dello Sport state the Aston Villa player’s start to Roma life has been ‘disastrous’. The Italian newspaper adds: ‘Yet another injury, further raising doubts about the transfer deal that brought the striker to the capital on loan in August, with an option to buy set at €22.5m.’
Gazzetta aren’t impressed by what he’s shown when available, either. He was substituted at half time against Sassuolo after doing little, and was a ‘flop’ against Parma. Indeed, they say the Parma showing was ‘decidedly awful’.
So annoyed was manager Gian Piero Gasperini that he publicly shared his frustration on the length of time Bailey was requiring to get match-fit. That time has now increased.
Aston Villa’s chances of getting €20m always looked small. Now they would appear to be tiny.