Roma have signed Donyell Malen from Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy, adding attacking depth as they push for a top four Serie A finish.
Roma have completed the signing of Netherlands forward Donyell Malen from Aston Villa. The move comes just one year after Malen joined the Premier League side. Villa confirmed the transfer for an undisclosed fee, while Roma described it as a loan with an option to buy. The 26-year-old will wear the number 14 shirt in the Italian capital.
Malen leaves Villa after struggling to secure a regular starting role under Unai Emery. Despite limited league starts, he remained productive across competitions. Roma see him as an important addition as they chase Champions League qualification. The deal adds experience and versatility to their forward line.
Malen joined Aston Villa from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025. He scored 10 goals in 46 appearances for the club across all competitions. This season, he found the net seven times in 29 matches. However, only five of those appearances were league starts.
Competition for places proved intense at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia were often preferred. Malen was still Villa’s joint second highest scorer this season. His departure may open space for Villa to reinforce their attack before the window closes.
Malen brings a strong scoring record to Serie A. He has scored 104 goals in 294 club appearances across his career. His senior journey includes spells at PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund. At PSV, he won the Eredivisie and developed into a consistent scorer.
On the international stage, Malen has 13 goals in 49 appearances for the Netherlands. He made his senior debut in 2019 and remains a regular squad member. Roma believe his pace and movement suit Italian football. His ability to play wide or centrally adds tactical flexibility.
Roma expect Malen to provide direct running and goal threat. His strongest attributes include acceleration and sharp finishing inside the box. He is comfortable playing as a central striker or from the flanks. That adaptability appealed to the club’s recruitment team.
Malen also reunites with familiar faces at Roma. Leon Bailey, another former Villa player, joined the club on loan earlier in the season. Their understanding could benefit Roma in key matches. The coaching staff will aim to integrate Malen quickly.
Malen has scored seven goals this season despite limited league minutes. He averages a goal every four appearances across competitions. Villa sit third in the Premier League at the time of his departure. They also remain third in their Europa League group.
Roma are currently fifth in Serie A. They remain within touching distance of the top four places. Goals have been shared across the squad rather than dominated by one striker. Malen’s arrival could improve efficiency in tight matches.
Roma travel to Torino this weekend before hosting Stuttgart in midweek in Europa League. Their next Serie A game will see them host title-chasing AC Milan on 25thJanuary. Those matches could define their Champions League ambitions. Malen is expected to be available immediately.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, host Everton in their next league match before travelling to Turkey in midweek to face Fenerbahce in the Europa League. Emery may look to add another forward before the window shuts. Malen’s exit brings clarity to their attacking hierarchy. Both clubs now move forward with clear objectives.
