Donyell Malen joins Roma from Aston Villa

Serie A side AS Roma have confirmed the signing of Dutch international forward Donyell Malen from Aston Villa.

A statement from Villa says the 26-year-old has departed for an undisclosed fee -- but Roma have stated that the move is an initial loan with an obligation to buy.

Malen heads to the Italian capital after a year in the Midlands, having signed for Villa in January 2025.

He had scored four Premier League goals for Villa this season, among 10 in total for the club since he joined.

While he was recognised by his side as their player of the month in November, he has faced stiff competition in Unai Emery's frontline, competing with the likes of Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Buendía -- and had only made five appearances in the league this term.

The forward joins a Roma side who are fifth in the Italian top flight under the stewardship of Gian Piero Gasperini.

His teammates will include Leon Bailey, who also joined Roma on loan from Aston Villa in August.

He previously had spells at PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Eredivisie, and Borussia Dortmund. He made his senior international debut in 2019, and has since made 49 Netherlands appearances.