Donyell Malen’s impressive start at Roma appears set to secure his long-term future in the Italian capital, with the club reportedly ready to make his move from Aston Villa permanent this summer.
The Dutch forward joined Roma on loan during the January transfer window, arriving from Aston Villa in a deal that included a conditional obligation to buy. Originally, the agreement required Roma to qualify for the Champions League before activating the €25 million purchase clause.
However, recent reports from Italian journalist Nicolo Ceccarini via Tuttomercatoweb suggest the Serie A club have already decided to proceed with the transfer regardless of their final league position.
Roma ready to secure Donyell Malen transfer
Since arriving in Rome, Malen has quickly become one of the team’s most influential attacking players.
The 27-year-old has made an immediate impact in Serie A, scoring six goals in his first seven appearances. His performances have included goals against Juventus and a brace against reigning champions Napoli, helping Roma maintain momentum during the second half of the season.
According to reports in Italy, those displays have convinced the club’s leadership that Malen should remain part of their long-term plans.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini is said to be particularly impressed with the forward’s adaptation to the team’s attacking structure.
As a result, Roma are now reportedly prepared to trigger the €25 million purchase clause regardless of Champions League qualification.
Agreement details between Roma and Aston Villa
The original loan arrangement included a condition linking the permanent transfer to Roma finishing in a Champions League position. However, the club are now willing to bypass that scenario by simply paying the agreed fee at the end of the season.
| Stat (2025/26) | Donyell Malen |
|---|---|
| Appearances (Roma) | 7 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots per match | 3.4 |
| Pass Accuracy | 82% |
source: sofascore match data – 7 March 2026
The deal also includes a clause allowing Aston Villa to receive 10 percent of any future resale profit should Roma sell the player later in his career.
Based on recent matches Roma have played, Malen’s movement and finishing have quickly integrated into Gasperini’s attacking system. However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about his long-term output in Serie A.
Different fortunes compared to Aston Villa spell
Malen’s rapid form in Italy contrasts with his more difficult spell in England.
During his time at Aston Villa, the forward scored 10 goals and provided two assists across 46 appearances. While he showed flashes of quality, he struggled to consistently secure a leading role within Unai Emery’s attacking rotation.
His early performances at Roma suggest the tactical setup in Italy may suit his strengths more effectively, particularly in systems that prioritise quick transitions and forward movement.
Key Insights
- Roma are expected to buy Donyell Malen permanently from Aston Villa for €25m.
- The original Champions League condition is reportedly being ignored.
- Malen has scored six goals in his first seven matches for Roma.
- Aston Villa will retain a 10 percent future resale clause.
- The Dutch forward struggled for consistent impact during his time in England.
What’s Next
Roma are expected to formalise the permanent transfer once the season concludes, activating the €25 million agreement with Aston Villa. The decision is unlikely to depend on the club’s final league position after reports suggested the hierarchy are already convinced by the player’s impact.
In the coming weeks, Malen’s performances could play an important role in Roma’s push for European qualification. Maintaining his current scoring rate would further justify the club’s decision to secure his long-term future in the squad.
Can Donyell Malen maintain this scoring form and become one of Serie A’s most consistent forwards?
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