Donyell Malen has made a stunning start to life in Serie A at Roma
Claudio Ranieri during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico
Claudio Ranieri during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Cremonese at Stadio Olimpico(Image: Getty Images)
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Roma director Claudio Ranieri has effectively confirmed the Italian club’s intention to keep Donyell Malen permanently.
Aston Villa’s Malen is currently on loan with Roma until the end of the season and the Dutch international has made a stunning start to life in Serie A, scoring five goals in six matches.
After netting against Torino on his debut, he has since hit doubles against both Cagliari and Napoli to help fire Roma up to third place in the table.
It is said there is a clause in the loan deal, activating a permanent transfer for €28m (£24m) if Roma qualify for any European competition for next season - which looks a certainty.
And, speaking before Roma beat Cremonese 3-0 in their latest Serie A match on Sunday, director and senior advisor Ranieri said: “He’s (Malen) arrived at the right time, in the right place, with the right coach.
“But it’s also true that there’s a big difference between the Premier League and our league.
“In the Premier League, he played and didn’t play, he was in and out, and he didn’t find the kind of talent he’s finding here in the Italian league.
“We’re holding on to Malen because he’s doing very well, and we truly hope he continues on this path.”
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