Image source: bbc.com
Netherlands forward Donyell Malen has joined Roma from Aston Villa on a loan deal with an option to buy after just one year at the Premier League club. The 26-year-old striker scored seven goals this season but made only five league starts in 21 appearances under Unai Emery.
Roma Complete Loan Signing of Netherlands Forward Donyell Malen From Aston Villa
The transfer sees Malen move to Serie A after struggling for regular playing time at Villa Park this season. While Aston Villa described the deal as involving an undisclosed fee, Roma’s official statement confirmed the arrangement as a loan with an option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
Malen joined Aston Villa from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025 and scored 10 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions during his year with the club. Despite finding the net seven times this season, the Dutch international has been limited to substitute appearances in most Premier League matches, prompting his search for regular first-team football elsewhere.
The former Ajax and Arsenal youth player began his senior professional career at PSV Eindhoven before moving to Dortmund in 2021. His career statistics show 104 goals in 294 club appearances, while he has also scored 13 goals in 49 international appearances for the Netherlands national team.
Malen will wear the number 14 shirt at Roma, who currently sit fifth in Serie A. The move provides the striker with the opportunity to secure regular starting opportunities as he looks to maintain his place in the Netherlands squad for upcoming international fixtures.
