(Credit: Imago)

The bizarre reason why Leon Bailey's Roma move has now been delayed

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

19 Aug 2025, 8:27 am

Leon Bailey's move from Aston Villa to Roma may be near completion, but there has been a delay.

Villa and Roma entered talks for Bailey last week, with the Jamaican set to end his four-year stay in the West Midlands.

The winger was absent from Unai Emery's squad for the Premier League opener against Newcastle United.

Aston Villa will receive a reported £19million for Bailey, but now there has been news of a delay in his move to the Italian capital.

Leon Bailey in his Aston Villa away kit, mouth open.

The 28-year-old is leaving England (Credit: Imago)

Bailey's flight to Rome has been held up

Bailey has found it hard to fit into Emery's system after showing promise under the Spaniard.

The 28-year-old notched some modest numbers in front of goal during his early days in the West Midlands before shifting gears in the 2023/24 campaign.

Bailey bagged 19 goal contributions and appeared to be living up to the hype that has surrounded him for years.

However, starting opportunities became more sparse, and now he is on the verge of completing a move to Roma.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021/22	18	1	2
2022/23	33	4	4
2023/24	35	10	9
2024/25	24	1	2

Bailey's Villa statistics by season

The winger's flight to the Italian capital has been postponed due to heavy air traffic, according to Voce Giallo Rossa (19 August).

Despite the delay, the Jamaican's arrival is still imminent, and the Italian outlet reports that some fans are already gathering to meet him.

Emery watches on as another player leaves Villa Park (credit: Imago)

What does Bailey's exit mean for Aston Villa?

The right winger's departure from Villa Park means that Emery is short of right-wingers within his squad.

As it stands, Donyell Malen would be the only recognised player in that position, meaning more signings are required.

Against Newcastle, the Villans lacked a cutting edge, although Ezri Konsa's red card thwarted their attack.

John McGinn played in a wider role with Malen coming on as a substitute, but Emery's side never really threatened.

Bailey is nearing a move to Roma
Villa barely troubled Newcastle in the Premier League opener
Malen is the only natural right-winger

With the West Midlands club playing in the Europa League, they simply must sign more quality in forward areas.

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Leon Bailey