Aston Villa have effectively sealed their first summer transfer as Donyell Malen's loan move to AS Roma has been made permanent. The Dutch striker will join the Serie A side on a full-time basis after Inter Milan defeated Lazio in the Coppa Italia final, triggering a clause in his loan agreement.
The clause stipulated that Malen would become a permanent addition to Gian Piero Gasperini's squad if Roma qualified for European competition. Inter's Coppa Italia victory on Wednesday night ensured Roma mathematically secured a spot in the Europa League, activating the €25 million transfer from Villa to Roma.
Malen made an immediate impact after joining Roma in January, scoring 14 goals in 18 appearances since his debut against Torino. The 27-year-old left Villa on loan with a view to a permanent move after struggling for playing time under Unai Emery.
Villa granted Malen's wish to play more regularly as a striker, a role he was unlikely to secure at Villa Park. He could have faced his parent club in the Europa League quarter-finals, but Bologna defeated Roma 6–5 on aggregate.
Should Villa qualify for the Champions League, there could be a reunion, as Roma currently sit fifth in Serie A, level on 67 points with fourth-placed Milan. Como follow with 65 points, with two games remaining.
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