In a swift turn of events, Dutch international Donyell Malen has departed Aston Villa after just one year, securing a loan switch to Italian giants AS Roma. The move, confirmed ahead of the weekend's Serie A action, includes a significant option for a permanent transfer next summer.
Details of the Malen-Roma Agreement
The loan agreement sees Roma pay an initial fee of £1.7 million to secure Malen's services for the remainder of the season. Crucially, the deal contains a conditional option for Roma to make the move permanent for a further £21.6 million. This clause will only become active if certain, undisclosed performance-related criteria are met during his loan spell.
Malen, who arrived at Villa Park from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025, made a total of 46 appearances across all competitions for the Birmingham club, finding the net seven times. His departure opens up a forward slot in Unai Emery's squad, potentially facilitating a notable return.
Potential Abraham Swap Adds Intrigue
This transfer is widely speculated to be part of a broader exchange. It could clear the path for striker Tammy Abraham to return to Aston Villa, where he enjoyed a successful loan season earlier in his career. Abraham is currently a Roma player but is spending this season on loan at Turkish Süper Lig side Besiktas.
A return to the Premier League with Villa would mark a significant career shift for the English forward, who has struggled for consistent game time in Italy following a serious knee injury.
Immediate Impact and Serie A Context
Malen could be in line for an immediate debut. Roma, currently fifth in Serie A and seven points behind leaders Inter Milan, face a tricky away fixture against Torino on Sunday. His pace and versatility offer manager Daniele De Rossi additional attacking options as the Giallorossi push for a Champions League qualification spot.
For Aston Villa, the move represents a quick recalibration of their attacking resources, allowing them to potentially reintegrate a familiar face in Abraham while offloading a player who failed to fully cement his place in the starting eleven. The coming days will reveal whether this loan exit is directly linked to an incoming arrival at Villa Park.
