Aston Villa's Donyell Malen Poised for Permanent £24m Move to Roma After Impressive Start
Roma's director and senior advisor Claudio Ranieri has effectively confirmed the Italian club's intention to secure Aston Villa forward Donyell Malen on a permanent transfer. The Dutch international is currently on loan at Roma until the end of the season and has made a remarkable impact in Serie A, scoring five goals in just six matches.
Stunning Serie A Debut and Goal-Scoring Form
Malen's loan spell at Roma has been nothing short of spectacular. He netted on his debut against Torino and followed up with doubles against both Cagliari and Napoli. His contributions have been instrumental in propelling Roma to third place in the Serie A table, significantly boosting their chances of European qualification for the upcoming season.
Clause Details and Financial Implications
The loan agreement includes a clause that activates a permanent transfer for €28 million, equivalent to approximately £24 million, if Roma qualifies for any European competition next season. Given their current league position, this condition appears almost certain to be met, paving the way for the deal to become official.
Ranieri's Comments on Malen's Adaptation and Future
Speaking before Roma's recent 3-0 victory over Cremonese, Ranieri praised Malen's integration into the team. He highlighted the differences between the Premier League and Serie A, noting that Malen has found greater success and consistency in Italy. Ranieri emphasized the club's desire to retain the player, stating, "We're holding on to Malen because he's doing very well, and we truly hope he continues on this path."
This development marks a significant shift in Malen's career, as he transitions from a sporadic role at Aston Villa to a key player at Roma, with the permanent move likely to be finalized soon based on current performances and contractual terms.