Donyell Malen has been one of the best forwards in Europe in 2026 and he is now attracting interest from Newcastle United and Manchester United.
In January, Aston Villa loaned Malen to Roma, who are set to sign him permanently.
This has been covered by Sport Witness, with the deal to go through even if Roma do not qualify for the Champions League.
Malen’s tally of 11 Serie A goals has helped the Giallorossi remain in the race for that too. The Netherlands international also scored four times in the Europa League, showing that his spell at Aston Villa isn’t the best reflection of his qualities.
Now, Roma are facing threats from Newcastle United and Manchester United, who can land him in the summer.
Malen’s numbers attracting attention
Corriere dello Sport make it clear that the 27-year-old has ‘taken over’ at Roma. The Italian club’s Friedkin ownership have decided that he will be signed permanently, with €25m to end up in Aston Villa’s coffers soon.
Manager Gian Piero Gasperini sees Malen as the centre of the project and views him as an unsellable entity in the squad.
Even if Roma also feel Malen is off the market, his numbers are unsurprisingly appealing to multiple clubs in Europe. Manchester United and Newcastle United, specifically, have ‘turned on their radars’ towards the versatile attacker.
As things stand, Roma aren’t quite concerned by this. But their valuation for Malen is expected to stand at over €50m and money like that can appeal to them. Anything less than that will not be enough, with everyone at Roma pleased by him.
Our take: Roma could be convinced for sale
In recent weeks, there has been doubt about several Roma players due to their issues meeting FFP. They desperately need capital gains by the end of June and failure to do that can attract a fine from UEFA.
That is why Malen’s situation could be worth keeping an eye on. He won’t be a leading candidate to leave but it could be a chance for many clubs.
A deal won’t be cheap yet the Dutchman is bursting with confidence every time he plays.
Manchester United can lose Joshua Zirkzee in the summer and also need options in wide areas. Malen can fix those issues and he would guarantee goals too.
Newcastle United’s attacking signings haven’t worked out either. The Roma star is Premier League experienced and he can add a lot to a squad.
