Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to bring Donyell Malen to Villa Park this January. The English club agreed to a deal of €23 million plus €3 million in add-ons for the signing of the Dutch international with whom they have also reached a total agreement on personal terms.
This deal will see the rapid Dutchman join Unai Emery’s team this January as they seek to work their way up the league table and seal qualification into the round of 16 in the Champions League. In the coming days, after a medical and signing of the necessary contracts, Villa hope to officially announce the signing of the 25-year-old.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the deal for the rapid winger was struck yesterday between the two clubs. Dortmund will earn a fee which could rise to €26 million for the winger whom they bought for €30 million in 2021.
Finding Playing Time Difficult to Come By
Malen made 107 appearances for the German club and scored 39 times for them. The rapid winger has unfortunately found game time hard to come by at the club this season, starting only five of the club’s 15 Bundesliga games.
This has led to him seeking a move away and he appears to have gotten his wish. Aston Villa are playing Champions League football, just like Dortmund and are pushing to finish in the top four in the Premier League once again.
Initial Difficulties and Upturn in Form
After a difficult first year at Dortmund, Malen found his feet at the Signal Iduna Park and became a fan favourite. His 13 league goals last season were a club best, and he helped the team reach the Champions League final, endearing himself to the Yellow Wall.
Inability to Find Continuous Form
However, throughout his stay at Dortmund, he has struggled for consistent form, often going on great runs followed by barren spells. However, at his best, he is a rapid winger with a devastating finish, capable of operating on both flanks and also as a center forward.
Villa Will Need Their New Star to Step Up
He has scored five goals so far in 21 matches for BVB this season. He will be hoping to improve that haul for Villa in the second half of the season and the Villans would welcome an upturn in form from him.
If he could hit the ground running for the Villans, it would greatly aid them in all competitions. Unai Emery’s men are 9th on the league table with 32 points, four less than Chelsea who occupy 4th place currently.
The Birmingham club are also 5th in the Champions League and have made it through to the fourth round of the FA Cup. Malen will thus have no shortage of opportunities to impress.
The Dutchman who will turn 26 on the 19th of this month, is entering his prime years. Villa supporters would hope that this translates to him showing his very best form for the club in the coming years.