Donyell Malen close to Roma switch after Villa agree loan with obligation to buy deal | OneFootball

Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen is set to complete a move to AS Roma after an agreement was reached on a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy at the end of the season.

The Dutch international has agreed personal terms with the Serie A club and has been granted permission to travel to Rome to finalise the transfer.

The overall package is valued around €25 million, with Roma also paying a loan fee of approximately €2m.

Malen is expected to arrive in the Italian capital on Wednesday to undergo medical checks before completing the move.

The transfer will bring an end to Malen’s short stay at Villa Park, having joined the Premier League club from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025.

While he settled quickly off the pitch, opportunities on the field proved limited under Unai Emery.

The Aston Villa manager largely viewed Malen as a second striker rather than a natural number nine.

That tactical preference reduced his chances of starting regularly through the middle.

Malen was often most effective when paired with Ollie Watkins, who remained Emery’s first-choice central striker.

The 26-year-old started just 11 matches in all competitions this season, including five in the Premier League.

Despite his limited role, Malen attracted interest from clubs across Europe during the winter transfer window.

Roma have moved decisively to sign the forward, with the obligation to buy expected to be triggered under agreed conditions at the end of the campaign.

Villa entered the winter window intent on adding a younger striker. They completed the signing of teenage forward Brian Madjo from Metz earlier this week.

They are also expected to explore the market for another forward if Malen’s departure is completed as planned.

Tammy Abraham has been mentioned as a potential option, although any deal would be complicated by his wage demands.

Abraham is currently on loan at Besiktas from Roma. The Turkish club have already activated the obligation to buy.

Malen’s move to Italy offers him the chance to secure more consistent minutes in a central attacking role.

Roma view the forward as a player capable of adding pace, versatility and goals to their frontline.

If all formalities are completed as expected, Malen will be unveiled as a Roma player before the end of the week.