Malen defended by Reijnders after criticism from Dutch camp
Squad News·22 June 2026·14d ago

Malen defended by Reijnders after criticism from Dutch camp

Source: Forza Roma

Donyell Malen came under scrutiny following his substitution at half-time during the Netherlands' recent match against Sweden. Dutch manager Koeman explained the tactical change, stating: "I understand that the substitution is difficult, but this is high-level football." However, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has publicly backed the Roma attacker, acknowledging the challenges he faces in Italian football.

Reijnders, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, reaffirmed confidence in Malen despite his recent struggles with the national team. The Manchester City midfielder noted that Malen was a standout performer during Roma's second half of the domestic season, making a significant impact in Serie A. Reijnders emphasized his understanding of the Italian league's demands: "He is our striker. What he has done with Roma is plain to see. I have played in Italy, I know how difficult it is. We trust in him."

The debate around Malen's form reflects the adjustment period many players face when transitioning between club and international competition, particularly in a league as demanding as Serie A.

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Testo Originale / Source Text

L'attaccante romanista sostituito da Koeman al 45'. “Capisco che la sostituzione sia difficile, ma questo è calcio di alto livello”, le parole del ct olandese Redazione 22 giugno - 10:49 Reunion giallorossa ai Mondiali: Bradley incontra Ancelotti e Marquinhos Tijjani Reijnders ha rilasciato…

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

Read original on Forza Roma

More Squad News

Marseille Begins Preseason With Greenwood Present; Roma Transfer in Balance
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
just now

Marseille Begins Preseason With Greenwood Present; Roma Transfer in Balance

Mason Greenwood attended Marseille's preseason training camp at La Commanderie on July 6, appearing in squad photos despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future. The English forward responded to the club's call for the new season, though his departure remains possible. Marseille faces pressure to sell and Roma are leading the pursuit, with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini pushing hard to bring Greenwood to the Giallorossi. Gasperini has already spoken with Greenwood multiple times about the move. The player has reportedly agreed in principle to join Roma, expressing enthusiasm for Italian football, Gasperini's tactical vision, and the appeal of the club and city. Marseille value Greenwood at approximately €50 million. Roma must now make a significant financial effort to close the gap and meet the French club's asking price. The coming week is expected to be crucial in accelerating negotiations between the two clubs. Greenwood's decision to report for Marseille's preseason camp rather than force a move suggests he is not attempting to engineer a rapid departure. However, his transfer status remains unresolved, with no agreement finalized between Roma and Marseille at this stage.

Roma Explore Tresoldi as Potential Deputy to Malen Pending Dovbyk Exit
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Roma Explore Tresoldi as Potential Deputy to Malen Pending Dovbyk Exit

Roma are considering a move for 21-year-old forward Nicolò Tresoldi to serve as backup to Donyell Malen, contingent on the departure of Artem Dovbyk. Club Brugge value Tresoldi at approximately €30 million including bonuses. The Cagliari-born forward, who moved to Germany early in his career, began at Hannover before joining Brugge for €7.5 million in 2025. Last season he recorded 23 goals and 9 assists across 58 appearances and holds 24 caps with Italy's U-21 squad, scoring 12 times. Roma will likely accelerate their pursuit of Tresoldi only after resolving Dovbyk's situation. The Ukrainian striker has attracted interest from Spanish clubs and Genoa. Although Dovbyk performed well under former manager Daniele De Rossi, his €3.5 million annual salary and current valuation present complications. Roma may consider loaning him out to rehabilitate his market value before a permanent sale next summer, though the club will attempt to sell him outright first. Roma have also identified cheaper alternatives, including Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo with a valuation of €15–20 million and Roberto Piccoli of Fiorentina, though Lazio are also monitoring both players.

Cult of CalcioRead original →
Rafa Leão offered to Roma as Milan seeks exit for Portuguese winger
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
5h ago

Rafa Leão offered to Roma as Milan seeks exit for Portuguese winger

AC Milan has offered Portuguese winger Rafa Leão to Roma as the Serie A club seeks to move him on after seven seasons. Leão himself has confirmed his desire for a new challenge following the end of the season. Milan, now under the management of Amorim, is willing to let him leave but only on a loan deal with an obligation to buy set at €60 million. Roma's transfer focus this summer has centred on reshaping the attacking department, with several forwards under consideration. The Leão proposal represents a new option for the Giallorossi, though the deal presents significant financial hurdles. The combined costs of the loan arrangement and the mandatory purchase clause make the overall operation extremely challenging for Roma to complete, independent of the player's own willingness to join. Details remain unclear regarding Roma's interest level or negotiations at this stage. The club continues to monitor other attacking targets as well, with the transfer window expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

More on Donyell Malen

Player profile →
Roma Explore Tresoldi as Potential Deputy to Malen Pending Dovbyk Exit
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1h ago

Roma Explore Tresoldi as Potential Deputy to Malen Pending Dovbyk Exit

Roma are considering a move for 21-year-old forward Nicolò Tresoldi to serve as backup to Donyell Malen, contingent on the departure of Artem Dovbyk. Club Brugge value Tresoldi at approximately €30 million including bonuses. The Cagliari-born forward, who moved to Germany early in his career, began at Hannover before joining Brugge for €7.5 million in 2025. Last season he recorded 23 goals and 9 assists across 58 appearances and holds 24 caps with Italy's U-21 squad, scoring 12 times. Roma will likely accelerate their pursuit of Tresoldi only after resolving Dovbyk's situation. The Ukrainian striker has attracted interest from Spanish clubs and Genoa. Although Dovbyk performed well under former manager Daniele De Rossi, his €3.5 million annual salary and current valuation present complications. Roma may consider loaning him out to rehabilitate his market value before a permanent sale next summer, though the club will attempt to sell him outright first. Roma have also identified cheaper alternatives, including Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo with a valuation of €15–20 million and Roberto Piccoli of Fiorentina, though Lazio are also monitoring both players.

Cult of CalcioRead original →
Roma to announce season ticket details; new kit already on sale abroad
Club NewsSquad News AI
18h ago

Roma to announce season ticket details; new kit already on sale abroad

AS Roma will announce details of its 2025–26 season ticket campaign on Monday, 6 July. The club posted social media hints with hourglass emojis signalling the announcement. The subscription drive will unfold in phases: first for renewals at the same seat, then for seat changes and the 25,000 fans on the waiting list. Roma aims to reach 40,000 season ticket holders, matching last season's target. A separate Champions League season ticket campaign will launch in late July or early August. Meanwhile, images of Roma's new kit for next season have surfaced online from overseas retailers ahead of the official reveal. The collar will feature the text "Con tutte le nostre forze" (With all our strength). Details of the design were already known, but the video confirms the kit is already in circulation in international stores. Transfer speculation continues around potential squad additions, with Pinamonti mentioned as a possible backup option to Malen.

Roma considers Pinamonti as potential backup to Malen
Transfer NewsSquad News AI
1d ago

Roma considers Pinamonti as potential backup to Malen

Roma is exploring attacking reinforcements ahead of the upcoming season, with Pinamonti emerging as a potential option to serve as a backup to Donyell Malen. The club continues to pursue its primary offensive target, though details on the Pinamonti possibility remain limited. Roma's focus on strengthening the attack reflects ambitions to compete effectively in the coming campaign, with multiple options being evaluated in parallel to the main pursuit.

Feedback