Ex-BVB star Donyell Malen shines in Italy | OneFootball

Aston Villa paid a lot of money for Donyell Malen (27). However, the former Borussia Dortmund striker did not find happiness in Birmingham. In January 2026, the Dutch international moved on to AS Roma—and is now returning to his old form.

In the summer of 2021, BVB put 30 million euros on the table for Malen. “Donyell is a player with great offensive potential, who radiates goal threat, brings creativity, and possesses great speed,” said then sporting director Michael Zorc (63), delighted about the signing of the lively attacker.

Despite 59 goal involvements in 132 competitive matches for the Black and Yellows, Malen never seemed to fully realize his great potential. Rumors regularly surfaced that the attacker intended to move to the Premier League. In January 2025, it finally happened. Aston Villa brought Malen to England for 25 million euros.

Immediately after his arrival at the Villans, the hopes of the 49-time international took a heavy blow. The club did not nominate him for the Champions League squad. The former BVB pro never managed to become an undisputed regular starter.

From the Wing to the Center

For a loan fee of two million euros, Malen joined AS Roma. This turned out to be a stroke of luck for both player and club. The Dutchman has so far played five times for his new club in Serie A, and has already scored five goals.

Unlike in Dortmund, he plays as a central striker for the Giallorossi, not as a winger. Almost 40 percent of his touches come in the opponent’s penalty area. With every fifth shot, the 27-year-old finds the back of the net. In doing so, Malen is following in the footsteps of Roma star Gabriel Batistuta (now 57), who scored six times in his first five appearances in the 2000/01 season.

Photo: Getty Images

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a purchase obligation of 25 million euros will be triggered if the capital club secures participation in one of the two top European club competitions. In addition, Malen must play in half of all matches until the end of the season. Currently sitting fourth in Serie A, the chances are good for the former BVB player to stay in the Eternal City beyond this season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.