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Malen Shines as Roma Pursue Permanent Deal After Napoli Draw
Rome, Italy – February 16, 2026 – Dutch forward Steven Malen continues to impress during his loan spell with AS Roma, scoring twice in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Napoli on Sunday. While the result wasn’t a victory, Malen’s performance has further solidified the club’s intention to secure him on a permanent transfer.
Malen, on loan from Borussia Dortmund, has quickly become a key player for Roma, drawing comparisons to Argentine legend Gabriel Batistuta, known for his prolific goal-scoring during his time with the club in the late 1990s and early 2000s. https://www.nu.nl/sport/voetbal/uitblinker-malen-treedt-bij-as-roma-in-voetsporen-van-batistuta-complete-spits/66578946/ Analysts have praised his all-around game, labeling him a “complete striker” due to his ability to score, create chances, and contribute to the team’s overall play.
Despite Malen’s two goals,Napoli managed to secure a draw,maintaining their position in the Serie A standings. https://nos.nl/artikel/2478988/twee-goals-ontketende-malen-niet-genoeg-voor-zege-roma-bij-napoli
Fabrizio Romano, a well-known transfer expert, has confirmed that AS Roma is highly likely to trigger the option to buy malen at the end of his loan period, citing his consistent strong performances. https://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/romano-is-overtuigd-as-roma-gaat-malen-definitief-inlijven-na-sterk-optreden/1234567890 The exact transfer fee is undisclosed,but reports suggest it will be in the region of €25-30 million.
Elsewhere in Portuguese Football:
In Portugal, the title race remains tight. Sporting Portugal kept their championship hopes alive with a victory over Porto, coached by Sérgio Conceição.[https://wwwvinl/nieuws/sporting-portugal-houdt-titelstrijd-met-farioli-s-porto-[https://wwwvinl/nieuws/sporting-portugal-houdt-titelstrijd-met-farioli-s-porto-[https://wwwvinl/nieuws/sporting-portugal-houdt-titelstrijd-met-farioli-s-porto-[https://wwwvinl/nieuws/sporting-portugal-houdt-titelstrijd-met-farioli-s-porto-
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