Villa now expected to sign Tottenham prime target within days after agreeing £7.5M salary package
Aston Villa are on the brink of finalizing their first acquisition of the winter transfer window, marking a significant step in their campaign under Unai Emery. The 2024/25 season has been promising so far for the Villans, who currently sit eighth in the Premier League and hold an impressive fifth position in the UEFA Champions League.
However, Emery is not content to rest on his laurels and has identified the need for reinforcements, particularly in the attacking department.
As Everton negotiates the permanent transfer of Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa, Monchi, Villa’s Director of Football, is working on bringing in Donyell Malen to bolster the squad.
The Dutch forward, currently at Borussia Dortmund, is expected to complete a move to the Midlands within days, providing Emery with an additional attacking option to enhance the team’s depth and versatility.
Reports from Ruhr Nachrichten suggest that the deal for Malen is nearing completion, with all parties involved anticipating an agreement shortly. Aston Villa has reportedly offered the Netherlands international a salary package worth €9 million per year (£7.5 million) and a contract running until June 2028. While negotiations over the transfer fee continue, Borussia Dortmund values Malen between €25 million and €30 million (£20.9 million to £25 million), and a handshake agreement is expected soon.
Malen, a versatile forward capable of operating across the frontline, has had a solid season with Borussia Dortmund, scoring five goals and providing one assist in 20 appearances across all competitions. His ability to contribute in various attacking roles makes him an attractive addition to Villa’s squad, especially as the team looks to strengthen its chances in both domestic and European competitions.
The arrival of Malen at Villa Park could also have a significant impact on Everton’s transfer plans. With Sean Dyche’s side pursuing Philogene, Malen’s signing would likely pave the way for the young England U21 international to make a permanent move to Goodison Park.
Philogene, who has made only two Premier League starts this season, would presumably receive the green light to leave Aston Villa once Malen’s transfer is finalized.
However, the situation remains fluid, and a collapse in the deal for Malen could complicate matters for Everton. Aston Villa, keen to avoid leaving themselves short of options as they approach the crucial stages of the season, may reconsider Philogene’s availability if Malen’s transfer falls through. This dynamic underscores the interconnected nature of transfer negotiations and the importance of securing key signings promptly.
Donyell Malen’s potential arrival represents a significant statement of intent from Aston Villa. His pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring prowess align well with Emery’s tactical vision, providing the Spaniard with a reliable forward who can adapt to different roles within the team.
For Villa fans, Malen’s addition signals the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level and continue their upward trajectory in both the Premier League and European competitions.
The transfer would also reflect Monchi’s ability to identify and secure quality players who align with the team’s needs. By targeting a player of Malen’s caliber, Aston Villa demonstrates its commitment to building a competitive squad capable of achieving sustained success. With the transfer window in full swing, Villa’s proactive approach to strengthening their roster could serve as a blueprint for other clubs navigating similar challenges.
For Everton, the outcome of this transfer saga will likely shape their immediate plans. Should Malen complete his move to Aston Villa, it would create a clear path for Philogene to join Dyche’s side, potentially providing Everton with the creative spark they need to improve their fortunes.
Conversely, any delays or complications in the Malen deal could force Everton to explore alternative options or face uncertainty over Philogene’s availability.
As the January transfer window progresses, Aston Villa’s pursuit of Donyell Malen highlights their determination to address key areas of their squad and maintain their competitive edge.
With both clubs closely monitoring developments, the next few days will be pivotal in determining the outcome of these interconnected transfer negotiations. For now, the focus remains on securing agreements that benefit all parties involved, with Malen’s potential arrival marking a decisive moment in Villa’s season.