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Aston Villa’s busy January transfer window continues, with news that winger Donyell Malen is likely to part ways with the club. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Dutch forward is nearing a transfer to Roma, initially on loan, with a mandatory purchase clause to finalize the deal in the summer. If reports are accurate, the total fee for the 26-year-old will exceed €31 million, making him the seventh most expensive sale in Aston Villa’s history.
Malen joined Villa just a year ago from Borussia Dortmund for €25 million. During his time with the Premier League club, he has been a reliable contributor to Unai Emery’s squad, netting 10 goals and assisting 2 more in 46 matches across all competitions. However, following the arrival of right winger Evann Guessand (€30 million from Nice) and Jadon Sancho (on loan from Manchester United), coupled with Emiliano Buendía’s return from a loan at Bayer Leverkusen, Malen saw his playing time diminish, featuring in only 34% of Villa’s league matches before deciding to leave.
This transfer window has already seen Villa Park sign Gremio right winger Alysson for €10 million and Metz striker Brian Madjo for €12 million, with the club reportedly in discussions with several other players. Selling a player of Malen’s caliber at a substantial fee will help balance the squad’s new acquisitions, and it’s worth noting that the English club stands to make a €6 million profit on the Dutch winger after just one year at the club.
