Milan regret passing on Malen as Roma move toward permanent deal
Quick summary
AC Milan reportedly declined a January move for Donyell Malen, who has since become a key attacking performer for Roma. Roma are now close to triggering the obligation to buy if they qualify for Europe.
Full article
Attributed to OneFootballMilan passed up the opportunity to sign Donyell Malen in January, with the Dutch striker having since transformed Roma’s attack under Gian Piero Gasperini and emerged as one of Serie A’s most effective forwards in the second half of the season.
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According to CalcioMercato , an intermediary offered Malen to Milan during the winter window, but the club declined to commit to an operation worth a total of around €27 million.
Instead, Roma secured the former Aston Villa forward on an onerous loan of approximately €2 million, with an obligation to buy that will be triggered should the Giallorossi qualify for next season’s Europa League or Champions League.
VERONA, ITALY – APRIL 19: Igli Tare, Sporting Director, looks on prior to the Serie A match at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on April 19, 2026 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) Malen form at Roma highlights Milan’s costly January miscalculation The numbers make for uncomfortable reading from a Milan perspective.
Since joining Roma, Malen has scored 11 goals and contributed two assists in 15 Serie A appearances, adding a further assist in the Europa League against Bologna.
The Dutchman left Aston Villa seeking a club that would trust him as an out-and-out centre-forward rather than a wide attacker, and Gasperini’s direct, vertical system has brought out the best in him.
Milan’s January business, by contrast, yielded little. Sporting director Igli Tare operated without a significant budget, and the arrival of Niclas Fullkrug, the only notable attacking addition, has produced just one goal, against Lecce.
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What happened
According to the report, Milan chose not to pursue a January deal for Donyell Malen worth around €27 million. Roma instead signed him on a paid loan with an obligation to buy tied to qualification for next season's Europa League or Champions League. Since arriving, Malen has produced 11 goals and two assists in 15 Serie A appearances, plus an assist in the Europa League. The article presents his form as a major boost for Roma and a missed opportunity for Milan.
Chance analysis
Malen's output suggests Roma found both a productive striker and a strong tactical fit in a more direct, central role. For Milan, the story matters because it highlights a failed recruitment decision in an area where their attacking additions have underperformed.
Roma's attack is strengthened by Malen's form, while Milan are framed as having missed a valuable January upgrade.
Treat Malen's role, form, and likely permanent stay as a meaningful positive signal for Roma's attacking strength.