Villa secure Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen for £27.7m as form questions linger

Aston Villa have grabbed headlines with the Donyell Malen transfer, signing the Dutch forward from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth up to £27.7 million. The Premier League club hopes the 25-year-old can rejuvenate their campaign after a challenging run, though concerns remain about his recent form and the significant investment involved.

The deal includes an initial £21 million payment, with performance-based add-ons accounting for the remainder. Malen, who scored five goals in 20 games this season, was a consistent presence for Dortmund but struggled to maintain the dazzling form that initially caught the club’s eye. His latest strike in Dortmund’s 3-1 victory against Wolfsburg came just weeks before this high-profile transfer.

For Aston Villa, this signing signals a determined effort to strengthen their attack. Villa have been eyeing Malen for months, eager to add his pace and versatility to their squad. The Dutchman is no stranger to English football, having spent two years in Arsenal’s academy before moving to PSV Eindhoven in 2017, where he rose to prominence as a prolific scorer.

At Dortmund, Malen was brought in as a replacement for Jadon Sancho in 2021. While his tenure with the German giants saw moments of brilliance, critics have often questioned his consistency on the pitch. Nevertheless, Villa manager Unai Emery seems confident in Malen’s ability to adapt to the Premier League and contribute to their European ambitions.

Speaking about the transfer, Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett described Villa’s pursuit of Malen as a “long-term project.” He added, “This deal reflects Villa’s ambition. They see Malen as a player who can bring energy and goals to their side, but the pressure is on him to deliver.”

Fans are divided over the signing, with some praising the club’s boldness while others express concern over Malen’s ability to handle the physical demands of English football. Villa, however, have made their intentions clear: they are willing to take calculated risks to remain competitive in the Premier League.

As the Dutch forward dons the iconic claret and blue, Villa supporters eagerly await his debut, hoping that this high-stakes gamble will pay off. With fixtures piling up and expectations mounting, all eyes are now on Donyell Malen to prove his worth.