Malen completes Roma move after one year with Aston Villa
The former Borussia Dortmund forward did not spend long in the Premier League
Netherlands forward Donyell Malen has completed a move to Roma from Aston Villa, bringing his brief spell in the Premier League to an end after just one year.
Villa confirmed the deal was agreed for an undisclosed fee, while Roma stated the transfer has been structured as a loan with an option to buy.
The 26-year-old joined Villa from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025 and went on to score 10 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions.
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Emery explains Malen exit
Despite finding the net seven times this season, Malen struggled to secure a regular starting role under Unai Emery. He made only five league starts from 21 appearances during the current campaign, with much of his involvement coming from the bench.
Villa boss Unai Emery said of Malen’s exit: “It’s a decision that was not easy, a tough decision, but it was making sense. There are three parts involved in the decision.
“Firstly, it’s the player. The player had his role – he was being important, he was helping us, scoring goals. He was not consistently in the starting XI, but for me he was very important, and he knew it. I spoke with him about it.
“One part is the team and the players we have. The player was happy and he was being a protagonist, but not enough like he wanted. Players are always in the possibility to get a deal to leave from the club.
“He opened his door to listen in case some team could give him something better than us.
“The last one is the club, and for the club, it’s a good deal. When we decided to analyse those three parts – for me, I prefer him to stay here, but in case he was leaving like he did, we’re ready for it. We’re working on it.
“I accept it. It’s a good deal for the club and a good deal for him. Three parts involved in it and analysing deeply each situation, we decided it.”
Roma ambition a key factor
Malen began his career in the youth systems at Ajax and Arsenal before establishing himself at PSV Eindhoven, where his form earned him a move to Dortmund in 2021.
Across his club career, he has scored 104 goals in 294 appearances, alongside 13 goals in 49 caps for the Netherlands national team.
He will wear the number 14 shirt at Roma, who sit fifth in Serie A as they continue their push for European qualification.
Explaining why he chose Roma, Malen told their official YouTube channel: “I think the passion of the fans, the ambition of the owners, what the club is trying to achieve. I think it’s a massive club so I’m very happy.”