Aston Villa latest transfer news as Roma start negotiations to sign Leon Bailey this summer
Aston Villa's Leon Bailey celebrates scoring
Aston Villa's Leon Bailey celebrates scoring
Leon Bailey's future at Aston Villa is set to be decided as Roma have reportedly started negotiations to sign the winger this summer—and it's safe to say the news has not gone down well with supporters.
The Jamaican international, who arrived at Villa Park from German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen four years ago, is said to not be central to Unai Emery's plans ahead of the new season, and has been actively exploring his options.
A number of clubs have been circling for the 28-year-old's services, including Besiktas and various teams from Saudi Arabia—but the Serie A giants have emerged as the most serious contender.
The Athletic reports Roma are focusing on a loan deal with an option to buy. Should Bailey make the switch, he would become their second Premier League addition after the arrival of Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, also on a season-long loan.
Despite the enormous competition for his signature, however, the Italian capital is claimed to be the player's preferred destination due to the club's sporting project, and the opportunity to shine in a top European league.
It's understood Roma are yet to officially make a bid for Bailey, with it still to be determined whether an option or obligation to buy would be included, but should a move not materialise, Gian Piero Gasperini is more than willing to turn his attention to other options.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed in a post on X: "AS Roma have asked Aston Villa for Leon Bailey on loan deal with buy option.
"Roma are also in direct contact with the player's agents, as The Athletic reported. Talks ongoing, not the only option on the shortlist."
But Villa supporters have come out to criticise the move, with many branding it "pointless" as they grow increasingly concerned with squad depth.
Posting on X, one fan wrote: "Pointless, it absolutely needs to be an obligation to buy or a sale outright," while another added: "Has to be an obligation or we may as well keep him."
"So, we will only have Ollie Watkins, Evann Guessand, Donyel Malen, Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia in attack for almost 50 games this season?" quizzed one user.
Someone else remarked: "What is the point in a loan? We're losing two attacking players, four if you count Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, and Bailey is our only out and out winger, so we need money to reinvest in the squad now!"
Bailey could be following Jacob Ramsey out of the door as the academy graduate is edging closer to completing a move to top flight rivals Newcastle United, who Villa play on the opening weekend of the season this Saturday.
A total package believed to be worth £40 million has reportedly been agreed, with claims the player could potentially be in the squad to face the Villans at St James' Park.