Donyell Malen
Rome, Italy 25th January 2026: Donyell Malen of AS Roma during the Serie A 2025-26 football match between AS ROMA vs AC MILAN at the Olimpico Stadium
In the January transfer window, Sport Witness closely monitored Donyell Malen’s transfer from Aston Villa to AS Roma.
The deal progressed quickly, as Unai Emery’s side agreed to loan the striker out with an obligation to buy. Already, the Dutchman is making a big impact in Rome.
He scored a brace in Roma’s 2-2 draw against title-chasing Napoli. This helped him take his tally in all competitions to five goals, having scored against Torino and Cagliari.
While Gian Piero Gasperini has made lofty comparisons for the attacker, Malen himself has spoken about his life away from Aston Villa.
Striker enjoying life after Aston Villa
The 26-year-old spoke to the press after his impressive showing against Napoli.
He made it clear that things are going quite well in the Italian capital and he is feeling positive about life at the Giallorossi.
He said – relayed by RomaNews: “I’ve had a good feeling ever since I arrived here. I know what my qualities are, and sometimes in football you also need a little luck. I’m very happy to be here.”
Malen also shared his thoughts about the game, expressing disappointment that Roma couldn’t win.
“Honestly, I’m a little disappointed. I think we deserved to win. We played well. Obviously, I’m happy for myself, but I wanted the win.”
Beyond that, the ex-Borussia Dortmund player revealed Gasperini’s role in the transfer Roma.
“A great role. He talked to me about the position and what he wanted me to do.
“Roma is a great, ambitious club, and I know I can showcase my football here. I’m happy to have signed for Roma.”
Gasperini perfect for Malen
It is no surprise that Malen joined Roma largely due to Gasperini. The Italian has a big reputation of making the most out of attacking players. In the past, his system improves underperforming attackers and takes them to a different level.
Malen falls into that category, as he fell short of game time at Aston Villa. He made a mark in the Europa League but it never seemed enough for Unai Emery.
Now, he is Roma’s undisputed starter upfront, with Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson failing to impress.
Gasperini has always liked strikers who offer more than just goals. Malen has a reliable 1v1 ability and that has been visible already at Roma.