Alex MacQuoid
Aston Villa have reached an agreement to offload Donyell Malen to Serie A side Roma, with the Dutch forward set to join on loan with an obligation to buy, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The well-connected transfer expert confirmed the deal with his trademark “Here we go”, signalling that all parties have agreed terms and the move is now entering its final stages.
Malen reaches Aston Villa exit agreement
Malen joined Villa from Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window of 2025 but has struggled to establish himself as a guaranteed starter under Unai Emery.
The 26-year-old has found opportunities limited due to Ollie Watkins’ importance to Emery’s system, with the England international remaining the undisputed first-choice striker.
In the Premier League this season, Malen has started just five matches, while making 16 appearances from the bench — a clear indication of his peripheral role.
According to Romano, Roma have agreed a loan deal that includes a £25 million buy clause, which will become mandatory. The Italian club will also pay a £2 million loan fee, and Malen has been granted permission to fly to Italy today to complete the move.
GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs has also confirmed that Malen is keen on the switch, with the striker prioritising regular minutes as a central forward rather than being deployed out wide, as was often the case at Villa Park.
From Villa’s perspective, the deal makes financial sense. In an era dominated by Profit and Sustainability Rules, moving on a non-guaranteed starter for a fee that generates profit represents smart squad management.
Read also: Boubacar Kamara: The Unassuming Star at the Heart of Aston Villa’s Success
Aston Villa must act in striker market
With Malen set to depart, Villa now face increased urgency to reinforce their attacking options before the January window closes.
Watkins remains the club’s primary striker, but now into his thirties, the lack of depth and competition in the position is becoming increasingly apparent.
GIVEMESPORT sources have confirmed that Roma striker Tammy Abraham — currently on loan at Besiktas — is among the names under consideration.
The 28-year-old England international previously spent time at Villa on loan and boasts extensive Premier League experience, making him a logical candidate to provide competition and cover for Watkins.
As Villa continue to balance European ambitions with domestic consistency, the success of their January window may ultimately hinge on how effectively Malen’s exit is addressed in the striker market.