Roma Secure Donyell Malen Loan Deal From Aston Villa

AS Roma have made a significant splash in the January transfer window, confirming the arrival of Dutch international forward Donyell Malen from Aston Villa on January 16, 2026. The move, which sees Malen join the Giallorossi on an initial loan with an obligation to buy, marks Roma’s second official signing of the window and signals their intent to bolster their attacking options for the remainder of the Serie A campaign.

Malen, 26, arrives in the Italian capital after a year-long stint at Villa Park, where he struggled to secure a consistent starting role under manager Unai Emery. Despite high hopes following his €23 million move from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025, Malen found first-team opportunities limited, making only five Premier League starts in 21 appearances this season and scoring four league goals. Across all competitions for Villa, he tallied 10 goals in 46 outings, a respectable return but not enough to cement his place in Emery’s preferred system.

Roma’s pursuit of Malen culminated in a deal reported to be worth €25 million, with an additional €2 million loan fee, according to sources close to the negotiations. While Aston Villa described the transfer as involving an undisclosed fee, Roma were quick to clarify the nature of the agreement: a loan until the end of the season, after which the obligation to buy will be triggered if certain conditions are met. Malen’s move comes just over a year since he first arrived in England, and for Villa, the sale represents a near break-even transaction after accounting for his original transfer fee and add-ons.

The Dutchman’s journey to Rome is the latest chapter in an already eventful career. Malen began his professional journey in the youth ranks of Ajax and Arsenal before making his senior breakthrough at PSV Eindhoven. There, he quickly established himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting young talents, winning the league title and notching an impressive tally of goals. In 2021, he made the switch to Borussia Dortmund, where he continued to develop his reputation as a versatile forward capable of playing across the front line.

For club and country, Malen’s numbers are compelling. He has accumulated 294 appearances and 104 goals in all competitions across PSV, Borussia Dortmund, and Aston Villa. On the international stage, he has represented the Netherlands 49 times, scoring 13 goals, and featured in both the 2020 and 2024 European Championships. His standout moment for the Oranje came in the 2024 tournament’s round of 16, where he delivered a brace in a 3-0 victory over Romania, helping the Netherlands reach the quarterfinals.

Roma fans will be eager to see how Malen fits into the squad under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. The club currently sits fifth in Serie A, with ambitions of climbing higher as the season progresses. Malen’s arrival adds depth and attacking flair to a side that has already welcomed fellow former Villa player Leon Bailey on loan earlier in the campaign. Both players bring Premier League experience and versatility, qualities that Gasperini will be keen to harness as Roma push for a Champions League spot.

Malen has chosen to wear the number 14 shirt at Roma, a nod to Dutch footballing legend Johan Cruyff and a number steeped in history for Dutch attackers. His decision to join Roma was influenced by assurances of regular playing time as a centre-forward, a role he was unable to consistently secure at Villa. According to Sky in Italy, Malen was keen to play in his preferred position and sees Roma as the perfect environment to rediscover his best form.

The transfer saga was not without its complexities. Villa’s coaching staff and decision-makers reportedly deliberated extensively before sanctioning Malen’s departure, weighing the pros and cons in the days leading up to the move. Sources close to the dressing room expressed surprise at the timing, believing a summer exit was more likely. Nevertheless, the club ultimately decided to let Malen seek new pastures, with manager Unai Emery preferring a system that did not fully accommodate Malen’s skill set.

Emery’s tactical approach at Villa, favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation with lopsided full-backs and a central attacking midfielder, often left Malen on the periphery. While the Dutchman showcased his striking prowess—averaging a goal every 134 minutes in league play—he was frequently deployed as a substitute or in wider positions rather than as a traditional centre-forward. Villa’s forward line, featuring the likes of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, and Emiliano Buendía, presented stiff competition, further limiting Malen’s opportunities.

Despite these challenges, Malen’s professionalism and adaptability were widely praised. He responded admirably to being left out of Villa’s Champions League squad, earning respect from teammates and staff alike. Off the pitch, Malen and his family settled well in the West Midlands, but the lure of regular football and a central role proved too strong to resist.

With his move to Rome, Malen is poised for a fresh start. The Giallorossi faithful will be hoping he can replicate the form that made him a star at PSV and a valuable asset for the Dutch national team. His versatility—capable of playing as a striker, winger, or second forward—gives Gasperini multiple tactical options as Roma look to strengthen their attack for the business end of the season.

As the January window continues, all eyes will be on Malen’s integration into the Roma setup. Will he become the missing piece in Gasperini’s puzzle, or will he face similar challenges adapting to a new league and system? For now, the excitement in the Italian capital is palpable, with fans eager to see their new number 14 in action.

Roma’s acquisition of Donyell Malen underscores the club’s ambition and commitment to challenging on multiple fronts. With Malen donning the famous red and yellow, the stage is set for a thrilling second half of the season at the Stadio Olimpico.