Barcelona Changes Plans for its Forward Line

The culé team needs a new forward and has set its sights on one who has emerged in this early season

Héctor Andreu | 26 Aug 2026 | 13.24
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<p>Barcelona asks about Donyell Malen / Claro Sports</p>
<p>Barcelona asks about Donyell Malen / Claro Sports</p>

La Liga
1 X 2
Barcelona Rayo Vallecano
31/08/26 21:30:00
1.18 7.50 13.00

Donyell Malen has entered the radar of the transfer market of FC Barcelona after becoming a center forward at AS Roma and increasing his goal production. The 27-year-old Dutch attacker, now valued at around 45 million euros, is also being tracked by Atlético de Madrid and Manchester City during this transfer window.

The interest comes after a season start in which Malen scored three goals against Fiorentina in the first matchday of Serie A. The change in position, from the wing to the center of the attack, has transformed his numbers since he landed in Rome in January 2026.

Donyell Malen boosts his figures at AS Roma

AS Roma initially signed Donyell Malen on loan from Aston Villa during the winter transfer market. His performance later led the Italian club to make the definitive purchase for 25 million euros, securing the player with a contract until June 30, 2030.

The decision was supported by his stats. Malen ended the previous season with 14 goals in 18 Serie A matches, as well as providing two assists since joining Italy. His output was one of the offensive factors that contributed to Roma's qualification for European competitions.

The start of this season has continued that trend. His three goals against Fiorentina raised his tally to 17 goals in 19 Serie A games with the Roman jersey, with an approximate average of one goal every 91 minutes in the competition since his arrival.

Malen back on Barcelona's radar

FC Barcelona seeks alternatives for the attack

This performance has placed Malen on the agendas of several teams looking to strengthen their striker position. Among them is FC Barcelona, which continues to explore options for its attack while addressing the final decisions of the transfer window and LaLiga planning.

The price is a key factor. Roma paid 25 million just three months ago to complete his signing, and his current valuation is around 45 million euros, almost double the amount paid to Aston Villa.

This gives the Italian club room to decide between keeping their goal-scorer or considering a proposal that generates a significant capital gain on their investment. His contract until 2030 also gives Roma a strong negotiating position and eliminates any immediate contractual pressure.

Atlético and Manchester City also tracking Malen

Barça is not alone. Atlético de Madrid and Manchester City are also among the teams monitoring Malen's progress, so a potential willingness of AS Roma to engage in negotiations could create competition during the final stretch of the summer.

The shift to center forward has been crucial in this reassessment. Before arriving in Italy, he had played for Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, mainly in wide positions, while in Roma he has concentrated his participation near the box.

The immediate decision now lies with Roma, having just invested 25 million euros and secured the player until 2030. If the Italian club decides to consider offers, FC Barcelona will have to compete with other top clubs for a Donyell Malen whose price and goal-scoring output have escalated in just eight months.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El Barcelona cambia de planes para su delantera