Aston Villa Fans Struggle to Believe Donyell Malen’s Roma Breakthrough: ‘Crazy’

Aston Villa supporters are reeling in disbelief at reports that Donyell Malen’s loan move to AS Roma is on the verge of becoming permanent, triggered by his explosive form and the club’s strong Serie A position[1][2][3]. The Dutch forward, who struggled for consistent minutes at Villa behind Ollie Watkins in the first half of the 2025-26 season, has transformed into a prolific goal machine since joining Roma on loan in January[2][3].

Malen has scored five goals in five Serie A appearances, including a brace against Cagliari and Napoli, plus a strike in a 2-0 win at Torino. He’s the only Roma player to score in their last three league games and trails team-mate Matias Soule by just one goal for the club’s top scorer spot[3][4]. Playing as Roma’s lead striker—a role he craved—Malen boasts a stunning 62.5% big-chance conversion rate and averages a goal every 78 minutes, per Sofascore stats[2].

The deal includes an obligation to buy for €25 million (£21.7m) if two conditions are met: Roma qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League or Europa League, and Malen features in at least 50% of their remaining fixtures through season’s end[2][3][5]. Currently fourth in Serie A—the final Champions League spot—Roma lead fifth-placed Juventus by one point and sit three points from third, six ahead of sixth[2][3]. Malen’s injury-free run makes the appearance threshold likely.

Villa benefit further with a 10% sell-on clause, promising future windfalls[2]. Fans call it “crazy,” stunned by Malen’s resurgence under Gian Piero Gasperini, validating the PSR-driven exit while securing a handsome fee[2]. Reports from Fabrizio Romano confirm Roma’s intent, leaving Villa followers grappling with the rapid turnaround[2][3].

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