Leon Bailey Can Thrive at Roma Despite Tricky Start | OneFootball

While it might take Leon Bailey a little time to settle into his new surroundings at AS Roma, the winger can be part of a success story with the Giallorossi.

Roma have enjoyed a positive start to the 2025/26 Serie A campaign, and Bailey will feel like he has a role to play at the Stadio Olimpico this season.

Not the Ideal Start for the New Man

Suffering an injury in his first training session following his loan move from Aston Villa, it was far from the ideal start for Bailey in the Italian capital. Roma, who are 11/1 with football bets to win the Serie A title this season, signed the Jamaican winger in August on a season-long loan deal with the option of a permanent deal.

Enduring injury issues during his time at Aston Villa, who are 6/1 with a Premier League bet to finish in the top four this season, was another setback for the player. Looking for a new challenge at Roma after dropping down the pecking order at Villa Park, it was not the fresh start the 28-year-old would have been hoping for.

Coming through his injury setback to make his first start against Sassuolo, it was a performance that even the man himself admitted was below par. After injuries, especially with a new club and new teammates, it can take players time to find their form. Roma can afford to be patient with Bailey, especially considering that confidence will be high in the camp after six wins in their opening eight games of the Serie A campaign. 

Bailey Can Earn a Permanent Switch

There is little doubt about Bailey’s quality when he’s fit and has found his rhythm. Scoring 28 goals during his time in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, the winger went on to score 16 goals and provide 17 assists in the Premier League with Villa. While his new club, Roma, has made a strong start to the Serie A campaign, the Giallorossi have hardly been in free-scoring form. Finding the back of the net eight times in their opening eight league games, it’s really been the defensive solidity that has been the backbone of the positive start for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men.

Having a player who can score and create goals like Bailey can when on form will provide a substantial boost to Roma’s chances in Serie A this season. A winger who is not afraid to take on defenders, has real pace and a knack for scoring at the back post, it’s easy to see why Roma were keen to bring Bailey to the Stadio Olimpico in the first place. With the chance of earning a permanent move to the Giallorossi at the end of the season, Bailey will be doing all he can to impress the hierarchy at the club and secure that move to Roma. An attacking star who has impressed wherever he has played, this is an exciting new chapter for Bailey and one that could bring great things.