No matter how many times you watch Donyell Malen, you always think to yourself, “He’s good, but he doesn’t show everything he can do.” This can somewhat describe the Dutch national team’s stint at Borussia Dortmund.An undeniably talented player, exceptionally fast and agile, capable of playing as a central striker, but still, he never truly shined. He never became Dortmund’s new Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang; he would occasionally show what he could do, but essentially, he was more of a cog in the machine than someone the team couldn’t play without. Good, but not an elite player.Aston Villa, however, clearly wasn’t bothered by this. Yesterday it was announced, and now it’s officially confirmed, that Malen became the new player of the team from Villa Park for a price of 25 million euros, with additional three million worth of bonuses.Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Dutch international Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. pic.twitter.com/WHAFLagK9U— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) January 14, 2025 Unai Emery has taken a gamble, likely aware that Malen couldn’t be much worse than Moussa Diaby. This is, so far, the most expensive transfer of the January transfer window, indicating that a lot is expected from the former PSV player. However, based on what we’ve seen, who knows what might happen. Before him, the record was held by Emmanuel Agbadou (from Reims to Wolverhampton for 20 million euros) and Seko Fofana (from Al-Nassr to Rennes for the same amount).PSG run after DuranIt’s also important to note Malen’s status this season. He mostly sat on the bench, with Jamie Bynoe-Gittens ahead of him, which is justified as the Englishman is the player who currently has much more potential. This will be the Dutchman’s return to England, where he played for Arsenal’s youth teams from 2015 to 2017.Aston Villa have had good experience with players from the Netherlands. Ron Vlaar left a significant mark at Villa Park, as did Anwar El Ghazi, and Wilfred Bouma played well until injuries ruined his career. It remains to be seen how Malen will adapt. One thing is certain, of all the compatriots who wore the purple shirt – the most is expected from him.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 21Tuesday Brentford – Man.City 2-2 (0-0)/Wissa 82, Norgaard 90+2 – Foden 66, 78/Chelsea – Bournemouth (1-0)/Palmer 13, James 90+5 – Kluivert 50 (p), Semenyo 68/West Ham – Fulham 3-2 (2-0)/Soler 31, Soucek 33, Paqueta 67 – Iwobi 51, 78/Nott.Forest – Liverpool 1-1 (1-0)/Wood 8 – Jota 66/Wednesday 22.30: (3.20) Everton (3.40) Aston Villa (2.40)22.30: (3.90) Leicester (3.50) Crystal Palace (1.95)22.30: (1.37) Newcastle (5.10) Wolverhampton (7.75)23.00: (1.45) Arsenal (5.10) Tottenham (7.00)Thursday 22.30: (4.00) Ipswich (3.60) Brighton (2.00)23.00: (1.30) Man.Utd. (5.50) Southampton (10.0)***odds are subject to change***
