Serie A

Leon Bailey joins Roma

The Jamaican winger, formerly of Genk, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa, arrives in the capital to bring pace, assists and creativity to Gasperini’s new project

Roma have completed the signing of Leon Bailey, who will now test himself in Serie A after already making his mark in Belgium, Germany and England. With the Jamaican winger’s arrival, the Giallorossi are looking very strong down the right flank after also previously signing Wesley. Gian Piero Gasperini gains a top-quality player in a key role within the team’s new tactical setup: the winger supporting the lone striker.

From the streets of Kingston to European football: Bailey’s rise
Leon Bailey was born in Cassava Piece, a disadvantaged neighborhood in the north of Kingston, in August 1997. His childhood was far from easy, but his talent and determination quickly carried him to Europe – thanks to the support of his future agent – first to Austria and then to Slovakia. He grew up idolising fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt, though his fastest strides were always made chasing a ball.

At 18, he made his professional debut with Genk, immediately finding the perfect environment in Belgium to unleash his talent. In just 18 months, he racked up 15 goals and 19 assists in 77 appearances, making his mark on both flanks and earning the Pro League Young Player of the Year award. He also scored a memorable goal that was voted the best of the 2016/17 UEFA Europa League, an unstoppable left-footed strike against Rapid Vienna. In January 2017, he joined Bayer Leverkusen. After an initial period of adjustment, he became a key figure for the German side, scoring 39 goals and providing 25 assists in 156 appearances and establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s top wingers. In 2021, he made the move to the Premier League with Aston Villa. He took a bit of time to adapt to English football, but he hit his stride under Unai Emery’s guidance, excelling on the right wing in the 2023/24 season with 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions. After a less prolific campaign, he has chosen Roma to regain consistency and return to the levels that made him one of Europe’s most explosive wingers.

**What Bailey brings to Roma: pace, dribbling ability and goals
**
A left-footed winger who prefers to play on the right, Bailey possesses devastating speed, lightning-quick dribbling ability and a powerful shot. Unpredictable on the flank, he can create chances both for teammates and himself, embodying the profile of a modern player capable of changing games. His style closely resembles that of Lookman, the winger Gasperini developed at Atalanta: quick, instinctive in exploiting space, and a natural finisher. In Rome, Bailey will compete for a starting spot alongside Dybala and Soulé, playing behind the striker in Gasperini’s 3-4-2-1 setup tested over the summer.

The Jamaican continues the tradition of great wingers who have thrilled the Olimpico: from the brilliance of Bruno Conti to the magic of Salah, Lamela and Dybala, it is now Bailey’s turn to try and leave a lasting mark on the hearts of the Giallorossi fans. With his arrival, he becomes the fourth Jamaican in Serie A history, following Rolando Aarons (Hellas Verona), Ravel Morrison (Lazio) and Trivante Stewart (Salernitana). None of them managed to make a lasting impact, and Bailey now has the chance to rewrite history, bringing the speed and hunger of his island to the heart of the Eternal City. (Photo As Roma + Getty Images)