Softfootball understands that Donyell Malen is set to complete a move from Aston Villa to AS Roma after the two clubs reached full agreement on a loan deal with a mandatory £25 million purchase clause, as reported by sport expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X account.
He posted:
Donyell Malen to AS Roma, here we go! Deal in place with Aston Villa and player’s agents. Malen, authorized by Villa to fly to Roma today. £2m loan fee, £25m buy clause to become mandatory. #AVFC accept all conditions of loan deal, manager by Roma director Ricky Massara.
The Dutch forward will join the Serie A side for the remainder of the season, with Roma also paying a £2 million loan fee, taking the total value of the transfer to £27 million.
Aston Villa has already authorized Malen to fly to Rome to complete the formalities, with contracts now being finalized. The agreement is in place between Villa, Roma, and the player’s representatives, with Roma sporting director Ricky Massara playing a central role in pushing the deal over the line.
The move marks a key step in Roma’s January transfer plans as Gasperini looks to refresh his attacking options. The structure of the deal means Roma’s obligation to buy will become binding once pre-agreed conditions are met, believed to be linked to appearances or team performance. It’s a calculated approach, but one that suits both sides.
For Aston Villa, the decision is as much financial as it is sporting. Having signed Malen from Borussia Dortmund for £21 million in January 2025, Villa will now record a profit on the deal.
Just as importantly, the sale helps the club stay aligned with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Regulations by moving on a player considered non-core to Unai Emery’s long-term plans.
On the pitch, Malen’s output has been solid rather than spectacular. He has registered seven goals and two assists across 29 appearances this season, with his most recent assist coming in a 2-1 victory against Tottenham in the FA Cup.
Regular starts, however, were limited, with his last Premier League start arriving in a narrow 2-1 victory against Chelsea.
Ollie Watkins remains Emery’s undisputed first-choice striker, limiting Malen to just five Premier League starts and a regular role off the bench.
Roma believes the move can unlock more from the 27-year-old. With the club currently fifth in Serie A and Giacomo Raspadori still undecided on his future, Malen is seen as a timely solution to attacking inconsistency. Gasperini’s high-intensity system could suit him well, even if adaptation won’t be instant.
