Malen starts for Netherlands against Japan

Anass Salah-Eddine is set to return to AS Roma after completing a one-year loan spell at PSV, with the Dutch club not exercising a purchase option. The defender will rejoin Roma's training facilities at Trigoria, where the club will then seek a new destination for him during the transfer window. This marks the end of his temporary assignment in the Eredivisie, with his future at the Giallorossi squad uncertain as Roma prepares to explore further loan options or permanent deals for the player.

PSV Eindhoven's attempt to sign Salah-Eddine permanently has collapsed. The Dutch club made an offer of eight million euros to secure the Moroccan left-back, but an agreement could not be reached with the player's representatives. Salah-Eddine, currently competing at the World Cup, will return to Roma and will evaluate other offers from European clubs during the summer transfer window. Roma hopes to sell the defender before 30 June to record another capital gain, following similar sales of Saud, Sangaré, and Baldanzi. However, the player faces an uncertain path at the club. Head coach Gasperini was not convinced by Salah-Eddine during pre-season preparations last summer and is unlikely to consider him for the upcoming campaign. Wesley remains the established left-back for Roma's starting XI, while the future of Angeliño remains unclear as the Spanish player expresses a desire to stay, though Roma will assess any summer offers that arrive. Details remain unclear regarding the exact negotiations between PSV and Salah-Eddine's agents or the timeline for potential departures.

AS Roma are working on a plan to sign Mason Greenwood from Olympique Marseille during the upcoming summer transfer window. The proposed structure involves an initial loan fee of at least €5 million, an obligation to buy for €25 million once Greenwood makes his first appearance, and a further €10 million in guaranteed bonuses. French football legend Christophe Dugarry, a former Marseille defender, weighed in on Greenwood's future, stating: "There are two questions that must be asked. Does OM have the means to keep Greenwood? I don't think so. And does he want to stay? I don't think so. So the question of whether to keep him or not doesn't arise. Greenwood must leave and he will leave." Meanwhile, Roma are moving away from pursuing Summerville, as the Dutch player's salary demands of €6 million per season prove too high. On the outgoing side, reports suggest Roma wish to sell Matías Soulé, with Turkish club Fenerbahce among the interested parties. The club is also keen to move on forward Artem Dovbyk. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini views Greenwood as a key target to elevate the squad's level and compete for immediate success.

Donyell Malen started for the Netherlands in their World Cup group-stage opener against Japan, leading the attack alongside Gakpo and Summerville. The Roma forward was keen to silence recent criticism following subdued performances in two warm-up matches ahead of the tournament. Former Danish footballer and ESPN pundit Kenneth Perez had been particularly vocal, saying: "I was at a golf tournament where there were many Italians, and they said: 'Malen demonstrates the problem with Italian football. How mediocre it has become, if he manages to excel in this context'. They think their league is worth nothing." Malen's inclusion in the starting XI offered him a chance to respond on the pitch and prove his worth at the international stage. The match represents a significant opportunity for the Roma forward to demonstrate his form and capability in a major tournament. The Netherlands lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under coach Koeman, with Malen tasked not only with goal-scoring duties but also with contributing to the team's general play. Japan operated in a 3-4-2-1 setup under manager Moriyasu.

Donyell Malen is set to play for the Netherlands against Japan in a key international fixture, with Dutch football figures and supporters expressing confidence in the AS Roma forward despite some poor finishing in recent friendlies. The match comes at a time when the Netherlands is debating who should lead the attack, with Malen facing competition for the starting role. Malen has enjoyed an impressive run of form over recent months with Roma, but made some costly mistakes in his last two warm-up games. Nevertheless, the majority of Dutch opinion remains firmly in his corner. Ibrahim Afellay, a former Netherlands international now serving as PSV vice-coach and pundit, publicly backed the Roma forward, stating: "For me there is nothing to discuss. I would play him in attack. Depay has certainly shown he deserves that spot, that is clear. But he is not yet in form. Should we perhaps bench someone like Malen, who is at the height of his form and who has played brilliantly with Roma for six months, simply because he missed chances in two matches? I also believe you must give him opportunities and long-term confidence. He is the future of the Netherlands." Dutch supporters interviewed by DAZN echoed this backing, with comments including: "He will score today, he will be the top scorer!", "I really like him, he will be decisive!", and "So far he hasn't had the chance to show everything he is worth, I hope he manages it in this tournament."

Roma are searching for a deputy striker to support Donyell Malen as head coach Gian Piero Gasperini aims to build an attacking-focused squad. Gasperini's tactical philosophy emphasizes constant offensive play, which is reflected in the club's transfer strategy. Several forwards are reportedly under consideration for the role, including Scamacca and Zirkzee among other options. The move aligns with the new coach's desire to strengthen Roma's attacking options ahead of the upcoming campaign.