In a major winter transfer development, Aston Villa have agreed to a significant deal with Borussia Dortmund for forward Donyell Malen, with the fee set at €23 million (£19.4m, $23.5m) plus potential add-ons of €3 million.
Villa's interest in the Netherlands international materialized earlier this month when they initiated negotiations with an opening bid of approximately €18 million, as reported by The Athletic. The 25-year-old attacker's personal terms are not expected to present any obstacles in finalizing the move.
Dortmund officially confirmed Malen's impending departure on Monday via their X (formerly Twitter) account, announcing his exclusion from the traveling squad for their Bundesliga fixture against Holstein Kiel to facilitate 'talks with another club'.
The potential acquisition aligns perfectly with manager Unai Emery's vision, as he seeks to bolster his attacking options with versatile players. Malen, known for his ability to operate effectively across the front line, presents an ideal solution for Villa's tactical requirements.
The Dutch forward has demonstrated his scoring prowess this season, netting five goals in 21 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund. Since his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in summer 2021, he has accumulated an impressive tally of 39 goals in 132 matches.
Malen's credentials are further enhanced by his significant role in Dortmund's Champions League campaign last season, where he contributed to their journey to the final, including an appearance as a substitute in the championship match.
On the international stage, Malen has also proven his worth, featuring in four matches during Euro 2024, including a notable performance where he scored twice in the Netherlands' round of 16 victory over Romania. He also started in their semi-final clash against England.
The transfer comes as Villa, currently eighth in the Premier League, prepare for their next fixture against Everton on January 15.
