Aston Villa Signing Donyell Malen – First Interview, Availability and Expectations

Aston Villa Completes the Signing of Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund

Aston Villa has bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. The Dutch forward, signed for a reported deal worth €23 with an additional €3m in add-ons. The 25-year-old arrives with plenty of experience across Europe and a determination to prove himself in the Premier League having initially started out in the Arsenal academy.

In his first club interview as a Villa player, Malen expressed his excitement and readiness to hit the ground running.

A New Chapter for Malen at Villa Park

Reflecting on his decision to join the club, Malen emphasized the ambition and vision that drew him to Villa.

“I think the ambitions, the plan of the coach, and the stadium are very attractive. I’ve seen a lot this year. Those are the reasons I wanted to join.”

The move also reunites Malen with his Netherlands and former Borussia Dortmund teammate Ian Maatsen, who played a key role in recommending Villa to the forward.

“He texted me a few times and said very good things about the club. I’m very happy to see him again.”

Malen also spoke of fulfilling a long-held dream to play in the Premier League, having spent two years in Arsenal’s academy during his teenage years.

“It’s a dream come true for sure. I’ve been in the Arsenal Academy, and it was always a dream to play here. It’s finally happening, so I’m very happy.”

A Forward With a Point to Prove

Malen arrives at Villa with a mixed record from his time at Borussia Dortmund. This season, he has struggled for consistent minutes, starting just six Bundesliga games and coming off the bench in eight. Despite this, he has managed to score six goals, averaging a goal every 102 minutes – a decent return given his limited opportunities.

Last season, Malen delivered an impressive 13 goals in 21 starts, showing his potential to make an impact when given regular game time. He tended to play second fiddle to Jadon Sancho on the right in terms of Dortmund’s strongest line-up, but did at least taste a Champions Leagues final coming on for a 10-minute cameo.

His assist numbers have remained oddly low in reason seasons, with only one assist this season and three last season, suggesting Emery will certainly be working on that part of his game. 

“I’m a forward. I try to create, score goals, give assists, and just give the stadium a buzz,” said Malen when asked about his playing style. “I try to do special things.”

What Malen Brings to Villa

Malen’s arrival provides much-needed competition for Leon Bailey, who has been inconsistent this season. His pace and ability to score crucial goals will strengthen Villa’s depth in attack, giving Emery more options as the club pushes for success in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.

The Dutchman’s experience in major tournaments, such as the Euros and his exposure to top-flight football in the Eredivisie, Bundesliga, and Champions League, adds further credibility to his profile. As Malen himself put it:

“I’ve seen a lot of football. I’ve been in different leagues, played in big tournaments, and that creates character. Now, I just have to show it.”

Villa Previous

Having previously faced Aston Villa during pre-season and even played at Villa Park in an Under-21 match in 2016, Malen is thrilled to now call the iconic stadium his home.

“I remember the first time, with the U23s, walking in the stadium. I thought, ‘wow, this is a proper big stadium.’ I’m excited and really looking forward to it.”

The Bigger Picture

Malen’s signing is a reflection of Villa’s need to improve, but essentially doing it by tweaking the squad in a one-out, one-in fashion. The forthcoming departure of Jaden Philogene to Ipswich Town helped pave the way financially for this move, while Malen’s experience and role as a goal-scoring forward and offers a clear upgrade in quality and experience.

In the short term, Malen’s main goal will be to adapt to the Premier League quickly and provide vital contributions as Villa fights on multiple fronts.

The new signing won’t be available for Villa’s trip to Everton, but the club hope to have Malen in the match day squad for Arsenal at the weekend.

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1 COMMENT

  1. I just hope that he can help us to offer a threat upfront which in my opinion we are urgently in need of. I also wish that we could stop conceding the first goal the sooner we get defensive reinforcements the better.
    It maybe just me but I think we are miles to negative in our play all we seem to do is pass back or sideways, the old saying the best form of defence is attack holds true but we don’t attack enough maybe Malen will improve that, maybe try him and Duran, I know that Watkins works hard but his finishing is woeful. Another couple of quality signings and we will see.

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