Aston Villa has recalled Jamaican international winger Leon Bailey from his ill-fated loan spell at AS Roma, casting significant doubt on his future with the English Premier League contenders. The 28-year-old’s premature return from Italy follows a deeply disappointing stint marked by persistent injury setbacks and minimal on-field impact.
Bailey’s Italian adventure, which began with a season-long loan agreement featuring a €22 million purchase option, culminated after just 11 appearances across all competitions. The Reggae Boyz star managed only two assists and failed to score during his time in Serie A, playing fewer than 300 total minutes since August. His campaign was derailed from the outset, having sustained an injury during his very first training session with Roma.
Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini characterized the experience as “negative for both him and us” during a Wednesday press conference. “He got injured on the first day of training, and from there, a real ordeal began,” Gasperini explained. “It was truly a shame because he was a player we thought could add value. I believe injuries were the main factor in this decision.”
The termination represents a surprising reversal from Villa manager Unai Emery, who previously insisted Bailey should “keep playing in Rome” despite his injury challenges. Emery declined to address the situation during Villa’s pre-match conference ahead of their Europa League clash with Fenerbahce, though speculation suggests Bailey could feature in Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle.
With the January transfer window closing on February 2, Bailey’s long-term future remains uncertain. Reports indicate interest from multiple European clubs, including Dutch giants Ajax, Spanish surprise package Girona, Italian side Fiorentina, and Portuguese champions Benfica. Premier League club Bournemouth had previously inquired about Bailey’s availability as a potential replacement for Antoine Semenyo, though they subsequently secured alternative attacking reinforcement.
Bailey, who joined Villa in 2021 and has made 144 appearances for the club, remains under contract until June 2027. His agent Craig Butler had not commented publicly at press time, with further clarity regarding the Jamaican international’s next move expected in the coming days.