Donyell Malen Joins Aston Villa from Dortmund for €23m

Donyell Malen has joined Aston Villa from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of €23m (£19m) with an additional €3m (£2.5m) in potential add-ons. The club did not disclose the length of Malen’s contract. The 25-year-old Netherlands international joins Villa after a successful stint at Dortmund where he scored 13 Bundesliga goals last season and contributed to their Champions League final appearance.

Malen, who has netted nine goals in 41 appearances for the Netherlands also played at Euro 2024. At Villa Park, he will face a similar challenge as Unai Emery’s team hunts for a Champions League spot, sitting eighth in the Premier League, just four points off qualification. Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, thanked Malen for his contributions over three and a half years, acknowledging that while expectations were not always met, the club enjoyed several memorable moments.

Both parties view the deal as a positive resolution. It remains uncertain whether Donyell Malen will make his debut for Villa in their Premier League match against Everton on January 15. His arrival coincides with the potential departure of Villa forward Jaden Philogene, who is close to joining Ipswich Town. Emery commented on the changes, stating, “Of course, it’s a change. A clear change. One player leaving, one player joining us,” signaling the club’s ongoing adjustments.