Gasperini has more power than Mourinho at Roma: Can he make Malen the next Higuaín?
Quick summary
Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly holds greater transfer influence at Roma than José Mourinho did, with Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen emerging as a key target in a Higuaín-style marquee signing.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceLorenzo Bettoni and Wayne Girard take a closer look at Roma’s impressive start to the season under Gian Piero Gasperini, examining how the new coach has quickly stamped his authority on the Giallorossi.
They discuss the growing influence and power Gasperini appears to have within the club, arguably more than any of his predecessors, including José Mourinho, and what that could mean for Roma’s ambitions this season.
VERONA, ITALY – MAY 24: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of AS Roma, gestures to his players during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and AS Roma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on May 24, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Click here to subscribe to the official Football Italia YouTube channel.
The pair also turn their attention to Donyell Malen and the role Gasperini could play in unlocking the striker’s full potential. Could the Roma boss help Malen mount a serious challenge for Gonzalo Higuaín’s remarkable 36-goal Serie A record ?
With the season still in its early stages, they assess just how realistic that target is and whether Roma could have a genuine title contender—and record-breaking goalscorer—on their hands.
Watch the full show below:
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What happened
Gian Piero Gasperini is said to wield more power over Roma's transfer strategy than predecessor José Mourinho, reshaping the club's recruitment approach under his leadership. Dutch forward Donyell Malen, currently at Borussia Dortmund, has emerged as a primary target, with the article framing the potential move as a Higuaín-type statement signing. The piece explores whether Gasperini can replicate his Atalanta success at Roma and whether Malen could be the focal point of a new-look attack. It signals a shift in Roma's project toward a more coach-driven model with significant summer investment.
Chance analysis
Roma appear to be entering a new era under Gian Piero Gasperini, one where the head coach's voice carries decisive weight in recruitment — a contrast to the Mourinho era. Targeting Donyell Malen would represent a marquee attacking signing aimed at giving Gasperini a proven forward to build around, echoing the kind of transformative striker arrival that has historically defined top Italian clubs. If the deal goes through, it would mark one of the more significant statements of intent in Roma's recent history and a clear signal that the Friedkin ownership is backing their new manager with resources to compete at the top end of Serie A.
Roma's attack could be significantly upgraded if Malen joins, while Borussia Dortmund would lose a key squad player and gain transfer funds.