Divock Malen has completed a permanent transfer to Roma, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The move comes after the forward impressed during a loan spell with the Italian side, ultimately securing his place in the team’s long-term plans.
Malen initially joined Roma in January as a third-choice option after the club’s pursuits of Joshua Zirkzee and Giacomo Raspadori proved unsuccessful. According to reports, Roma pursued Zirkzee and Raspadori for two months before turning their attention to the former Manchester United player. Zirkzee ultimately decided to remain with his current club, while Raspadori opted for a move to Atalanta, paving the way for Malen’s arrival.
The 25-year-old quickly adapted to his new surroundings, flourishing under manager Daniele De Rossi. He was deployed as a central striker, a position he had long desired, and responded with a series of crucial goals that helped propel Roma to a European qualification spot. His arrival proved to be a significant boost for the club, especially considering the difficulties they faced in securing their initial targets.
Prior to his move to Roma, Malen’s career had seen him play for PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund, as well as a brief stint with Manchester United. While he showed glimpses of potential at previous clubs, he struggled to consistently find the back of the net. His recent form in Serie A, however, suggests a significant turning point in his career, with the player seemingly revitalized by his new role and environment.
The transfer represents a shrewd piece of business for Roma, who have secured a talented forward who has already proven his worth. For Milan and Juventus, the report suggests, the failure to identify Malen’s potential represents a missed opportunity, potentially contributing to their failure to qualify for the Champions League. Malen’s goals will be vital as Roma look to build on their recent success and compete at the highest level in European football.
