Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is reportedly closing in on joining AS Roma, but it is unclear if Manchester United flop Jadon Sancho will join him at Stadio Olimpico this summer.
According to a report by Italian outlet Sportmediaset, Leon Bailey and Jadon Sancho have been AS Roma’s targets for the offensive unit for the final weeks of the summer transfer window. The Aston Villa winger has inched closer to completing a loan move, with a purchase option, to the Serie A club.
Frederic Massara and Monchi are “in constant contact” to finalise a move for the Jamaican winger. However, talks to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United have stalled, even though the Red Devils have approved a deal worth €23 million. With the Englishman yet to agree to join AS Roma, the Giallorossi must wait for the green light.
Leon Bailey and Jadon Sancho: Two players keen on leaving their clubs
Leon Bailey has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €32 million in August 2021. The 28-year-old has enjoyed some bright moments during his spell with the West Midlands club, turning out nearly 150 times thus far while chipping in with 22 goals and 24 assists. However, Bailey’s stock at Aston Villa has fallen in the last two seasons.
On the other hand, Jadon Sancho has seen his stock plummet since completing an ill-fated move to Manchester United nearly four years ago. The English international has shown flashes of brilliance during this period, but he has not been consistent enough to attract the most high-profile clubs this summer. Nevertheless, Sancho has emerged on AS Roma’s radar this week.
From the Premier League to Serie A soon?
AS Roma’s interest in Leon Bailey and Jadon Sancho is understandable. Gian Piero Gasperini is moulding the squad in his image as he looks to transform the Serie A club’s fortunes in the 2025/26 season. Several candidates have thus emerged on AS Roma’s radar, with the two Premier League attackers being viable targets.
Recent reports have suggested that Monchi, previously at AS Roma, wants to sanction a loan exit for Bailey. The two clubs are on the verge of finalising the agreement over Monchi’s desired formula, and the deal will include a purchase option. However, talks to sign Sancho have stalled, even though the Serie A giants have received Manchester United’s approval for a move worth €23 million.
With Sancho yet to approve AS Roma as his next destination, the move is “on hold” for the time being. So, it will be interesting to see if the English playmaker moves to Stadio Olimpico in the summer transfer window, with Bailey likely to join the Giallorossi in the coming days.