Roma have completed the permanent signing of forward Donyell Malen, the club confirmed on Monday. The transfer was driven by Ryan Friedkin, son of Roma president Dan Friedkin, and represents a key piece of business for the Italian side as they secured Champions League qualification.
Malen arrives as a solution to attacking struggles experienced earlier in the season, where the partnership of Artem Dovbyk and Dean Ferguson proved largely ineffective. According to reports, Friedkin personally intervened to finalize the deal in January, demonstrating a proactive approach to squad strengthening. The 36-year-old has quickly become a prominent figure within the club’s ownership structure, handling transfer negotiations alongside oversight of stadium development and other family-owned clubs.
The Netherlands international joins Roma after a spell with Borussia Dortmund, where his opportunities became limited. Malen initially rose to prominence at PSV Eindhoven, showcasing his pace and finishing ability. He has earned 10 caps for the Dutch national team, scoring three goals. Dortmund signed Malen in 2021 for a reported €30 million, hoping he would become a key attacking player, but he struggled for consistent starts.
Roma finished sixth in Serie A, securing a Champions League play-off spot, and Malen’s arrival is expected to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign. The quick resolution of the transfer, attributed to Friedkin’s influence, highlights a shift in the club’s transfer strategy, prioritizing swift and decisive action. This signing indicates Roma’s ambition to compete at the highest level and reinforces their commitment to building a strong squad capable of challenging for European success.
