Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal for Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, with reports suggesting that personal terms have already been agreed between the Premier League club and the Dutch international. However, negotiations with Dortmund are still ongoing, with the Bundesliga club demanding a substantial fee for the 25-year-old. As Unai Emery looks to strengthen his squad, particularly in the forward positions, Malen has emerged as a key target for Villa, though the deal could depend on the club’s ability to balance their books through potential player sales.
Donyell Malen’s Struggles at Borussia Dortmund
Donyell Malen’s career has been a rollercoaster since his high-profile move to Borussia Dortmund from PSV Eindhoven in 2021. A player with undeniable talent, Malen had made a name for himself at PSV, where he impressed in both the Eredivisie and European competitions. His performances earned him a move to Dortmund, but despite his potential, Malen has struggled to find consistent form in Germany.
Under Borussia Dortmund’s current manager, Nuri Sahin, Malen has faced stiff competition for a starting place. This season, the Dutch forward has only featured as a regular starter in half of his 20 appearances across all competitions, coming off the bench for the rest of the time. Despite his limited game time, Malen has still been relatively productive, with only two players in the Borussia Dortmund squad outscoring him so far this season. This has sparked speculation about his future at the club, especially after reports surfaced in November that Malen had been placed on the club’s ‘strikelist’ — a list of players deemed surplus to requirements by the club.
Malen’s lack of consistent game time has fueled his desire for a move away from Borussia Dortmund. The forward is said to be open to a fresh challenge, and Aston Villa have emerged as a prime destination for him. This potential transfer would mark a significant step in Malen’s career, offering him the opportunity to play regularly in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Aston Villa’s Interest and Terms Agreement
Aston Villa have been one of the most ambitious clubs in the Premier League in recent seasons, and manager Unai Emery is keen to build a squad capable of competing for European spots. Villa’s attacking options have come under scrutiny, particularly after the club failed to replace the explosive talent of Moussa Diaby, who left for a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer. To address this gap, Villa have set their sights on Malen, with reports indicating that they have already agreed on personal terms with the forward.
Ben Jacobs, a well-respected football journalist, reported that Villa have verbally agreed terms with Malen, with both sides seemingly satisfied with the player’s salary and contract length. However, the deal is far from done, as Aston Villa still need to negotiate with Borussia Dortmund to secure the transfer. Borussia Dortmund are reportedly holding out for a fee of €30 million (£25 million) for the player, who still has a contract at the club until 2026. This price tag represents a significant investment for Villa, but it is one they appear willing to make in order to strengthen their squad for a push toward European competition.
Borussia Dortmund’s Demands and the Negotiation Process
Donyell Malen’s situation at Borussia Dortmund has left the club in a difficult position. While Malen’s limited role this season indicates he may not be central to Dortmund’s plans going forward, the club is still hoping to extract a decent fee for the player. Dortmund are reportedly seeking €30 million for Malen, which is a significant sum, particularly considering the player’s struggles for consistent game time in recent months.
However, Dortmund’s stance on Malen’s price could be influenced by several factors. First, the club is known for its policy of selling players for high fees, especially when they have a potential for development, like Malen. Second, Dortmund may be keen to balance their books following several high-profile acquisitions in the past year, including the signing of Sébastien Haller, who has since struggled with form and fitness. In any case, Dortmund are holding firm on their €30 million valuation, making it clear that any potential suitor will have to meet that price to secure the player.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, are navigating a delicate balancing act. The club has already made several key signings in the past transfer windows, and with the winter market approaching, Villa will likely need to make sales in order to fund new acquisitions. Therefore, while Villa are said to be in advanced discussions with Malen, the final details of the deal will likely depend on how they manage their squad and finances.
Potential Player Sales to Fund the Move
One of the major hurdles Aston Villa must overcome in securing a deal for Donyell Malen is funding the transfer through player sales. Villa have been active in the transfer market in recent seasons, with Unai Emery overseeing an overhaul of the squad. The club has strengthened in multiple positions, but they still need to raise funds in order to meet the financial demands of the Malen deal.
Reports suggest that the sale of a winger could be the key to unlocking the Malen transfer. Jaden Philogene, an academy graduate who rejoined Villa in the summer in a deal worth £18 million, is reportedly attracting interest from Premier League rivals, including Everton. If Villa were to sell Philogene, it could free up the necessary funds to complete the Malen deal without putting too much strain on the club’s finances.
Philogene’s potential sale would also make sense from a squad balance perspective. While the 21-year-old is highly rated at Villa Park, he has struggled for regular game time since returning from a spell at Cardiff City. If Villa could secure a decent transfer fee for Philogene, it would help them to reinvest in more established talent, such as Malen, who could offer immediate impact in their push for European football.
Unai Emery’s Transfer Plans and Forward Options
Unai Emery’s plans for Aston Villa are clear: he is intent on bolstering the forward line to provide greater depth and flexibility. The club’s attack has looked promising at times this season, but with Moussa Diaby’s departure, Villa have been left with gaps to fill. While players like Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey have shown flashes of brilliance, Villa need further options in attack to remain competitive in the upper echelons of the Premier League.
Malen’s pace, versatility, and ability to play across the forward line would make him a valuable addition to Villa’s squad. Known for his direct running and ability to stretch defenses, Malen could form a potent attacking partnership with Watkins or Bailey. His experience in both the Eredivisie and the Bundesliga would also bring valuable international exposure to a Villa squad that is looking to challenge for European spots.
In addition to Malen, Villa are also reportedly monitoring other attacking targets, including Randal Kolo Muani of Paris Saint-Germain and Omar Marmoush of Eintracht Frankfurt. Kolo Muani, who has fallen out of favor at PSG, has been linked with multiple Premier League clubs, and Villa are said to be among those interested in securing his services. Marmoush, a £50 million target for Manchester City and Liverpool, could also provide Emery with another dynamic option in attack. However, any deal for these players would likely require further player sales to fund, especially with Villa already committing significant funds to Malen’s potential transfer.
Conclusion: A Busy Winter for Aston Villa
As the winter transfer window draws closer, Aston Villa are expected to be one of the most active clubs in the market. Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his squad to ensure that the team remains competitive in the second half of the season. Donyell Malen’s potential arrival would represent a significant coup for Villa, but it is a deal that will require careful negotiation and likely some player sales to fund.
With personal terms agreed with Malen, the ball is now in Villa’s court to finalize the transfer with Borussia Dortmund. As the club continues to explore other attacking options, all eyes will be on how the transfer window unfolds and whether Villa can land the players they need to push for a European spot in the Premier League. The next few weeks could be pivotal for the club’s ambitions, with several key deals potentially on the horizon.
