Unai Emery has explained why Aston Villa allowed Donyell Malen to leave in January, calling the move to Roma “a good deal” for everyone involved.
The Dutch forward joined the Italian side on loan with an obligation to buy, and based on his start in Serie A, that decision is already looking justified.
Unai Emery explains Donyell Malen exit from Aston Villa
Malen pushed for more minutes through the middle, but with Ollie Watkins firmly leading the line, opportunities were limited.
Emery admitted that played a big part in the decision to let him go.
“The one with Roma was a good deal for us and for him. He wanted to play as a centre-forward, but he had little space because we’re getting along well with Watkins.” — Unai Emery, per Corriere dello Sport
It wasn’t a case of Villa forcing him out. The player wanted the move, and the club were open to it.
Malen thriving at Roma after January move
Since arriving in Italy, Malen has made an immediate impact.
Seven goals in 11 league games has quickly changed how he’s viewed, especially given how demanding Gian Piero Gasperini’s system can be for new players.
From what we’ve seen in recent weeks, he’s settled quickly and given Roma a focal point they were missing earlier in the season. However, it remains too early to judge whether that form will hold over a longer period.
| Donyell Malen 2025/26 | Roma |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 11 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Loan fee | €2m |
| Obligation to buy | €25m |
source: league data – 9 April 2026
No regrets from Aston Villa despite strong form
Emery made it clear he still rates Malen highly, even if the timing wasn’t right for him at Villa.
“I would have liked to keep him, but he asked me to leave… I’m happy for him.” — Unai Emery
Villa are also unlikely to lose out financially. With a €2 million loan fee already paid and a €25 million obligation to buy, the club are set to recover most of their original investment.
Why the move made sense for both sides
From Villa’s point of view, the deal solved a squad issue.
Malen wanted a central role, while Emery’s system already revolved around Watkins. Rather than keeping an unhappy player, the club chose to move early and secure a structured deal.
Having followed Villa closely this season, their attacking setup has remained stable without him, which supports that decision. Still, much will depend on how both sides progress next season.
Key Insights
- Unai Emery described Malen’s move to Roma as a “good deal”
- The forward left due to limited opportunities behind Ollie Watkins
- Malen has scored seven goals in 11 Serie A appearances
- Roma are expected to trigger the €25m obligation to buy
- Aston Villa are set to recover most of their investment
What’s next for Donyell Malen?
Roma are expected to complete the permanent transfer once the agreed conditions are met, with Malen likely to be a key part of their plans next season.
For Aston Villa, the focus remains on their current campaign and building around their existing attacking structure. There is no indication they will revisit that decision in the short term.
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