Credit: Imago

Richie Mills

Wed 14 January 2026 13:45, UK

Donyell Malen increasingly looks like he has played his last game for Aston Villa.

With Villa being Premier League title challengers, Unai Emery needs a squad that can compete on multiple fronts this season.

Villa have snapped up Gremio winger Alysson, and earlier this week, Metz forward Brian Madjo was recruited as well.

Ollie Watkins is the club’s first-choice striker, but Villa are trying to sign Besiktas loanee Tammy Abraham, too.

And that appears to mean that forward Malen could be surplus to requirements at Villa Park.

Aston Villa decision on Donyell Malen becomes clear

Malen has been linked with a loan move to Roma, a side Abraham is currently on the books at.

Villa are also keeping tabs on Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, but signing both is likely to not be possible due to the club’s battle with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

However, a possible Malen exit is not, ostensibly, related to PSR. According to John Percy of The Telegraph, the former Borussia Dortmund man is nearing a £2million loan to Roma with a £25m obligation to buy him in the summer.

The 26-year-old is said to want to play more as a number nine but, with Watkins in the way, that isn’t feasible at Villa, who are also eyeing a Europa League and FA Cup triumph. Therefore, a parting of the ways is on the cards.

To many, this is a big loss as Malen has become a vital player in Emery’s attack this season, with the Dutchman scoring seven goals in 29 matches.

• Read more: Ferran Torres now Unai Emery’s priority as Aston Villa ‘minutes’ away from sealing January deal

How has Donyell Malen performed at Aston Villa?

There was a great deal of excitement when the pacey Malen swapped Dortmund for Villa almost exactly a year ago for a fee worth up to £21m.

His ability to beat a man, plus his goals and assists, helped cushion the blow of Jhon Duran’s exit to Al-Nassr in early 2025.

But it seems his services at Villa are no longer required. If Roma take up this loan-to-buy deal, Malen will likely have played his last game for the club.

That did not seem on the cards when he picked up Villa’s player of the month award in November after scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Perhaps the former PSV man can lead Roma’s attack, but there is no guarantee the grass will be greener in Serie A.

Stay up to date this winter with our Aston Villa transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Villa Park, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.