Malen to Roma: salary disclosed, no way back to Aston Villa

Donyell Malen is set to join Roma on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, which, according to Italian media, will become mandatory if the Giallorossi qualify for any European competition this season.

Dutch striker Malen landed in Italy on Wednesday and will undergo medical tests with Roma today before signing his contract with the Serie A side.

As reported by Gazzetta, Malen will earn more than 4m per season in the Italian capital and even if his move is technically just on loan, the 26-year-old is already expected to remain at the Olimpico long-term.

Roma, in fact, will make the striker’s move permanent for €28m at the end of the season if they qualify for any European competition.

The condition appears virtually assured as the Giallorossi push for Champions League qualification, while eighth-placed Lazio sit 11 points below Gian Piero Gasperini’s men.

According to Sky Sport, qualification from the Conference League is excluded from the agreement, yet Roma have an eight-point advantage over Atalanta in 7th.

Gazzetta and Corriere dello Sport report that Malen will become Roma’s starting striker with big chances to see him in the Giallorossi’s XI next Sunday, in an away game at Torino.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, January 15, 2026, page 16.