Dortmund forward Brandt a strong option for Roma thanks to Malen and Massara | OneFootball

Roma could reportedly make a move to sign Julian Brandt on a free transfer once his Borussia Dortmund contract expires, and the latest updates in Italy claim that both Donyell Malen and former sporting director Ricky Massara have been on the phone in an attempt to secure a deal.

Roma keen to reunite Brandt and Malen in 2026

Brandt, 30, is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund once his contract expires on the 30th of the month. He has spent the last seven years of his career at Signal Iduna Park and formed a productive partnership with Roma striker Malen during the four seasons that the Dutchman spent in Germany.

BREMEN, GERMANY – MAY 16: Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund celebrates victory following the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund at Weserstadion on May 16, 2026 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)

Between them, Brandt and Malen provided 73 goals and 62 assists in three-and-a-half seasons for Dortmund, and according to Corriere dello Sport, the two attackers have a great relationship away from the pitch as well.

According to the Corriere dello Sport report, Brandt is a player that Roma have been monitoring for several weeks, and former sporting director Massara had reportedly been in contact with the player with the hope of bringing him to the Stadio Olimpico on a free transfer.

Monday’s report claims that Malen spoke to Brandt two days ago, before teaming up with the Netherlands national team squad for their World Cup preparations. Corriere dello Sport claims that Malen asked whether Brandt is still keen on the idea of joining Roma and that the German responded positively.

COLOGNE, GERMANY – JANUARY 20: Donyell Malen of Borussia Dortmund celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Julian Brandt during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and Borussia Dortmund at RheinEnergieStadion on January 20, 2024 in Cologne, Germany. (Photo by Leon Kuegeler/Getty Images)

He earns a salary which is considered significant, but not out of the question for Roma, with salary requests believed to be in the region of €4m per season.

Roma are also hoping to strike a deal for talented Bosnia and Herzegovina teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, who is expected to cost in excess of €25m, although a string of impressive performances at the upcoming World Cup might hike those figures up.