Roma to Activate Malen’s Buy Option, Drop Zirkzee

The Giallorossi plan to make Malen’s loan permanent, while Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Roma is set to activate the buy option for Donyell Malen, who has impressed on loan from Aston Villa, scoring 5 goals in his first 5 games. Meanwhile, the future of Joshua Zirkzee, who is on loan from Manchester United, remains up in the air as he looks to leave this summer after a proposed transfer fell through.

Why it matters

This move solidifies Roma’s plans for Malen, a promising young striker, while Zirkzee’s uncertain status leaves questions about his long-term future and where he will end up playing next season.

The details

According to reports, Roma intends to exercise the €25 million buy option to make Malen’s loan from Aston Villa permanent. Malen has hit the ground running in Italy, scoring 5 goals in his first 5 appearances for the club. In contrast, Zirkzee’s future remains unclear, as the former Bologna player remains intent on leaving Manchester United this summer after a proposed transfer fell through during the January window.

  • Malen has scored 5 goals in his first 5 games with Roma.
  • Malen arrived on a €2 million loan from Aston Villa.
  • Roma will have to pay €25 million to Aston Villa to exercise Malen’s buy option.

The players

Donyell Malen

A young striker on loan from Aston Villa who has impressed with 5 goals in his first 5 games for Roma.

Joshua Zirkzee

A striker currently on loan from Manchester United who remains intent on leaving the club this summer after a proposed transfer fell through.

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The takeaway

Roma’s decision to activate Malen’s buy option demonstrates their commitment to the young striker, while Zirkzee’s uncertain future highlights the challenges some players face in finding the right long-term fit.