Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is cutting short his loan spell with Italian Serie A club AS Roma and returning to England, according to confirmation from his agent and manager Craig Butler to the Jamaica Observer. The 28-year-old Jamaican international’s temporary move to Italy has been significantly hampered by persistent injury issues, prompting a strategic decision for his return to Premier League action.
Butler disclosed that comprehensive discussions involving Aston Villa’s management, head coach Unai Emery, and the player himself culminated in the mutual agreement. ‘Leon maintains that reuniting with the club where he has established profound mutual respect and demonstrated exceptional performances represents the optimal path forward,’ Butler stated, emphasizing the existing successful relationship between player and club.
While expressing gratitude towards AS Roma for the opportunity, Butler indicated a philosophical misalignment contributed to the premature termination. ‘We assessed the Roma opportunity, but concluded the tactical philosophy wasn’t the ideal fit at this juncture. We remain appreciative of the club and eagerly anticipate Leon’s positive resurgence in the Premier League, where he can delight his dedicated supporters at Aston Villa,’ he added.
The return coincides with a critical phase in Villa’s season, as the club mounts a serious title challenge. Currently positioned third in the Premier League table with 43 points, just seven adrift of leaders Arsenal, Bailey’s comeback provides a significant boost to Unai Emery’s attacking arsenal. The Jamaican forward, who has netted 24 times in 144 appearances for Villa, recently committed his long-term future to the club by signing a contract extension in 2024 that will keep him at Villa Park until 2027. On the international stage, Bailey has scored 7 goals in 39 caps for the Reggae Boyz.