The possible transfer of Donyell Malen to AS Roma has moved a step closer. The Aston Villa forward is open to an adventure in Serie A and, following an agreement between the two clubs, is in talks with the Italians.
AS Roma’s pursuit of Donyell Malen appears to be gathering real momentum as the January window moves into a decisive phase, with multiple outlets indicating that the two clubs have already found common ground on the basic structure of a deal.
The framework being discussed is a loan from Aston Villa with an option to buy, a formula that suits both sides for different reasons: Roma get immediate attacking depth without committing the full fee upfront, while Villa keep flexibility if circumstances change while still positioning themselves for a significant sale if performance targets are met.
According to reports coming out of Italy, Roma are prepared to send a loan fee of €2 million to Birmingham to secure Malen for the remainder of the season. The more consequential part of the arrangement is the conditional path to a permanent move. If Roma qualify for European football at the end of the campaign, the agreement would automatically convert into a definitive transfer valued at €25 million. That clause matters because it removes the uncertainty that often comes with optional purchases. It effectively ties the final outcome of the transfer to Roma’s seasonal objectives: strengthen now, finish in the European places, and the club is committed to making Malen a long-term asset.
The sporting logic is straightforward. Gian Piero Gasperini is understood to view Malen as a key reinforcement, especially for a Roma side that wants to consolidate its league position and maintain intensity across Serie A and cup commitments. Malen’s profile fits what coaches typically look for in a mid-season attacking addition: pace in transition, the ability to attack space behind a defensive line, and versatility across the front line. Whether used wide or closer to the central striker, he offers an option that can change the rhythm of a match, particularly against opponents who push their fullbacks high and leave channels open.
While club-to-club terms may be in place or close, the decisive stage is now the dialogue with the player’s camp. Roma are reportedly negotiating with Malen’s entourage, and although there is no final agreement at this time, sources briefed on the process suggest discussions are trending positively. That usually indicates that the broad parameters, including salary, bonuses, contract length, and the player’s role in the project, are being narrowed rather than debated from scratch. For a winter transfer, timing is essential, because a buying club wants the player integrated as quickly as possible, and the selling club needs clarity to plan squad depth for the second half of the season.
There is already a narrative element that adds to the sense that a move is imminent. It has been suggested that the FA Cup meeting with Tottenham Hotspur could have been Malen’s last appearance in an Aston Villa shirt. Even if that proves premature, it captures how quickly situations can shift once a loan agreement is aligned and the remaining obstacle is personal terms. In many January deals, the final week becomes less about discovering interest and more about choosing the cleanest route through paperwork, medical checks, and registration deadlines.
Roma’s league position makes the conditional purchase clause particularly relevant. In Serie A, the top six are positioned to secure European football for the following season, and Roma currently sit in fifth place. That slot would typically translate into a Europa League group-stage berth, which is both a sporting target and a financial lever. Roma’s reported five-point cushion over sixth-placed Como gives them a margin, but it is not a guarantee, especially with the added note that Como have a match in hand. The next stretch of fixtures will therefore carry added pressure. Every point gained or dropped has a direct connection to whether Roma are compelled to finalize Malen’s move automatically.
From Villa’s perspective, a loan with conditional obligation can be an efficient outcome. If a player is not central to the manager’s immediate plan or if the club is balancing squad composition, a structured deal preserves value while potentially freeing wage budget and roster space. The €25 million figure, if triggered, would also allow Villa to reallocate resources and plan for reinforcements in other areas, either immediately in the same window or in the summer.
Tactically, Malen could provide Roma with multiple solutions. In matches where Roma need directness, he can be a vertical threat on the counter and a finishing option arriving at the far post. In tighter games, he can stretch compact blocks by forcing defenders to respect runs in behind, which can open pockets for midfield runners and creative players between the lines. Coaches also value forwards who can play more than one role across a busy schedule, since injuries and suspensions often decide whether a team sustains a European push.
Alongside Malen, Roma are also working on a separate attacking addition, with the plan reportedly including the arrival of Robinio Vaz. The eighteen-year-old is said to be close to joining from Olympique Marseille, a move that would align with a broader strategy many clubs adopt in January: combine an immediate-impact signing with a younger profile who can be developed, integrated gradually, and potentially become a longer-term asset. If both deals are completed, Roma would be addressing both present needs and future planning in one window, adding depth up front while also creating internal competition for minutes.
For now, the key variable remains the final agreement with Malen and the speed at which negotiations can be concluded. If personal terms are settled quickly, the remainder becomes procedural, with medical checks and registration steps following in short order. If talks drag, the risk is that the calendar squeezes the margin for error and other options begin to emerge for both player and clubs. Based on the current tone of the reporting, however, Roma appear to be pushing decisively, and Malen’s move to Serie A looks closer than it did even a few days ago.
Updated: 10:23, 14 Jan 2026
