The 28-year-old has been a key member of the Villa squad since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, as he’s since gone on to make 144 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals and providing 24 assists.
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However, after a brilliant campaign the season before last, the Jamaican international struggled last year through injuries and poor form, and it seems as though that has raised question marks over his future at Villa with others surpassing him in importance and effectiveness.
According to [Gianluca Di Marzio](https://x.com/DiMarzio/status/1955937978104058009), Roma are working on a deal to sign the Villa winger which would see him join the Serie A giants in a paid loan move initially for the upcoming season, with an option to buy included in the terms of the agreement.
From a Villa perspective, that could be a sensible move as it would shift Bailey’s wages off the books for this year, we’d collect a decent fee for the loan and if he impresses for the Giallorossi he may well earn a permanent switch to the Italian capital next summer, or at least grab the attention of other interested parties.
With Donyell Malen pushing for a more prominent role this season coupled with the arrival of Evann Guessand, Bailey is likely to face stiff competition for that starting berth on the right flank, despite Unai Emery’s continued faith in him, and so it could be a smart decision to make the move for all concerned.
Time will tell if an agreement can be reached between the two clubs and with Bailey on personal terms, but it certainly sounds like a serious proposition, and it remains to be seen what possible knock-on effect it has in terms of giving Villa more financial flexibility to perhaps strengthen the squad.
Having contributed just two goals and four assists in 38 appearances last season, it simply wasn’t enough from Bailey in such an important role for us, and so although it will be disappointing to see him leave, whether it’s this summer or next, it looks as though Emery and Villa are eager to upgrade if possible.
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