Aston Villa has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Donyell Malen, the Borussia Dortmund forward valued at €30m (£25m). While personal terms have been agreed upon, the Premier League club still needs to finalize negotiations with Dortmund to secure the Dutch international’s signature.
Malen’s Situation at Borussia Dortmund
Malen, 25, has struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter under manager Nuri Sahin this season. Despite making 20 appearances across all competitions, he has started in only half of them, accumulating fewer than 1,000 minutes on the pitch.
However, Malen has remained productive:
- Goals Scored: Only two Dortmund players have outscored him this season.
- Transfer Status: Listed on Dortmund’s “strikelist” of unwanted players since November.
Aston Villa’s Pursuit of Malen
Villa is reportedly keen to bolster their attacking options after failing to replace Moussa Diaby, who departed for Saudi Arabia six months ago. Manager Unai Emery is pushing for reinforcements as his team chases a Champions League spot.
- Personal Terms: Villa has verbally agreed terms with Malen.
- Transfer Fee: Dortmund is demanding €30m (£25m) for the forward, who is under contract until 2026.
Villa’s interest in Malen is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window, which also includes links to high-profile players like Randal Kolo Muani and Omar Marmoush.
Other Clubs Interested in Malen
Malen has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs:
- Arsenal: Malen spent time in Arsenal’s academy and has previously expressed interest in returning to North London.
- Liverpool: The Reds have also been linked with the Dutch forward, though Villa appears to be leading the race for his signature.
Balancing the Books
To fund Malen’s potential transfer, Aston Villa may need to offload other players. Reports suggest that academy graduate Jaden Philogene, who rejoined Villa for £18m in July, is a target for Everton this month.
Unai Emery’s Vision for Villa
Unai Emery’s aggressive approach in the transfer market reflects his ambition to transform Villa into Champions League contenders. After a busy summer window, the club remains active, targeting players who can elevate their offensive firepower.
Villa’s Current Targets
- Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund): €30m
- Randal Kolo Muani (PSG): High-profile target also pursued by top European clubs.
- Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt): Valued at £50m and linked to Manchester City and Liverpool.
Conclusion
Aston Villa’s pursuit of Donyell Malen highlights their intent to strengthen their squad for a push toward European football. While personal terms with the Dutch forward have been agreed upon, finalizing a deal with Borussia Dortmund remains crucial. If Villa can secure Malen, it would be a significant addition to Unai Emery’s evolving project at the Midlands club.
FAQs
1. What is Donyell Malen’s current market value?
Malen is valued at €30m (£25m) by Borussia Dortmund.
2. Why is Malen leaving Dortmund?
Malen has struggled for consistent playing time and was added to Dortmund’s “strikelist” of unwanted players in November.
3. Which other clubs are interested in Malen?
Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with Malen, but Aston Villa appears to be the frontrunner.
4. Who might Villa sell to fund Malen’s transfer?
Academy graduate Jaden Philogene is reportedly a target for Everton and could be sold to balance Villa’s transfer budget.
5. What other players is Aston Villa targeting?
Villa is also interested in Randal Kolo Muani and Omar Marmoush as part of their efforts to strengthen their attack.
