Ex-Premier League stars finding new life in Serie A

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 01: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring their third goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on March 01, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Donyell Malen is only the last player to shine in Serie A after a move from the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay.

With six goals scored in his opening seven Serie A matches, ex-Aston Villa striker Malen has had a tremendous impact at Roma, becoming the second-best European top-scorer after Harry Kane since his move to the Olimpico.

His impact in the Serie A title race has given Roma a boost on “Anglia Bet“ as the Giallorossi fight for a top-four finish.

Malen’sbig Roma impact

After Round 27, the Giallorossi sit 4th in the standings, with a three-point lead over Como and four points more than Juventus.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini recently explained how he convinced Malen to join the team from Aston Villa during the winter transfer window.

“He played for Aston Villa and the national team. The way I convinced him to come and play for Roma was by telling him, ‘You’ll play.’ He often ended up on the wing, but for me, he’s a striker, and he wanted this. A striker doesn’t have to be 1,90m tall,” said the Giallorossi boss.

“I think we are already on a good level, but everything can improve. If you lose strikers for one and a half months, it becomes more difficult for everyone.” 

Malen is the last player to have had an immediate impact on Serie A after a move from the Premier League.

One of the most notable examples is McTominay at Napoli. The Scotland star won the Scudetto in his first year at the Stadio Maradona and was named the best player in the league in 2024-25.

One year after his move to Naples, another Manchester United player followed him as the Partenopei signed Hojlund from Old Trafford.

The Dane has grabbed 13 goals and provided four assists in 34 appearances under Antonio Conte so far this season.

Back in 2019-20, Romelu Lukaku made the difference for Inter after a move from Manchester United, helping the club win the Scudetto in his second season at the Stadio Meazza, also under Conte.

Danilo, a former Manchester City defender, is another player who has won the Serie A title, lifting the trophy with Juventus in 2019-20.

Fikayo Tomori won the domestic title with Milan in his second season in 2021-22 after completing a permanent move from Chelsea.

Talking about Milan and Chelsea, how can we not mention Christian Pulisic, another player who has surely improved his game since moving from Stamford Bridge to San Siro?

Captain America has only won one Supercoppa at Milan, but has scored 42 goals in 124 games with the Rossoneri, justifying his €20m price tag.