Surprise: Malen apparently set for BVB return | OneFootball

After his departure from Borussia Dortmund, Donyell Malen could soon return to Signal Iduna Park. AS Roma are set to be Borussia Dortmund’s opponents at the club’s season opener.

Borussia Dortmund are increasingly picking up speed in their preparations for the new season — and in August, they could be reunited with a familiar face. According to information from Ruhr Nachrichten, AS Roma are scheduled to play at the official season opener at Signal Iduna Park on August 15. The main focus would be on Donyell Malen.

The Dutchman moved from Dortmund to Aston Villa at the start of 2025, but he never managed to establish himself in England on a lasting basis. As a result, the attacking player was drawn to Rome on loan just a few months later. Malen now appears to have truly found his place there: in 20 appearances, the 27-year-old recorded an impressive 18 goal contributions and quickly became a standout performer. The Italians apparently have a purchase option and are likely very interested in signing him permanently.

At BVB, Malen left a mixed impression despite his undeniable potential. The winger repeatedly showed flashes of his quality, but the major breakthrough in Dortmund never came. Inconsistent performances and discussions about his body language ultimately prevented him from becoming an undisputed key player in the long term.

Reunion with Malen? BVB planning friendly against Roma

Meanwhile, Dortmund’s summer schedule is now largely set. Because of their successful Bundesliga finish, coach Niko Kovac gave his team an additional day off, which is why preparations will not begin until July 12. The first friendly will take place on July 18 at Rot-Weiß Oberhausen. BVB are also planning another friendly in the Dortmund area before traveling to Japan.

Photo: IMAGO

There, the Black and Yellows will face Cerezo Osaka at the end of July and FC Tokyo at the beginning of August. After returning, another attractive friendly abroad is also planned before the season opener against AS Roma serves as the final dress rehearsal for the new campaign.

From both a sporting and financial perspective, the next highlight awaits shortly afterward: in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, Borussia Dortmund will face FC Bayern Munich. The duel will earn the winner three million euros, while even the loser will still receive two million euros. The new Bundesliga season will then begin at the end of August.

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