Roma complete permanent signing of Donyell Malen from Aston Villa
AS Roma have completed the permanent signing of Dutch forward Donyell Malen from Aston Villa, the club has confirmed. The 25-year-old winger, who joined on loan in January, has now made the move to the Italian capital permanent for an undisclosed fee, signing a long-term contract. The transfer was finalised after Malen's impressive initial loan spell, which included a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Pisa, taking his season goal tally to 10 in the league since his January arrival.
According to club sources, the fee is believed to be in the region of €30 million, with the player agreeing to a five-year contract. Malen, who previously played for PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund, has quickly become a key figure in manager Daniele De Rossi's attack, providing the pace and directness the Giallorossi had been lacking in the final third. His initial loan move included an obligation to buy based on performance metrics, a clause which has now been triggered.
Malen's arrival in January provided an immediate impact, helping to reignite Roma's push for a top-four finish and a coveted UEFA Champions League spot. His versatility to play across the front line and his direct, pacy style have added a new dimension to Roma's attack. The club's sporting director, Florent Ghisolfi, was instrumental in the deal, having tracked the player since his time in the Bundesliga with Dortmund.
For Roma, securing Malen on a permanent basis is a significant statement of intent. The club has been seeking a consistent, high-level forward to lead the line for the foreseeable future. Malen's ability to play across the front three and his proven goal threat in Serie A made the deal a priority for the Giallorossi's management. His hat-trick against Pisa, which included two first-half goals, demonstrated his clinical finishing and intelligent movement, qualities that Roma have sought to build their attack around.
For Malen, the move offers stability and a central role in a project aiming for consistent Champions League football. After a mixed spell at Aston Villa, where he struggled to secure a regular starting spot, the Dutch international has found a system and a league that suit his dynamic, counter-attacking style. His 10 league goals since arriving in January have been crucial in Roma's late push for a top-four finish, placing them level on points with Juventus and just one point behind Como in the race for the final Champions League spot. The deal represents a significant piece of business for Roma, securing a key asset for their long-term project under De Rossi.
