Malen exit update drops at Aston Villa amid ‘strange’ transfer developments
Donyell Malen did not enjoy the best start to his Aston Villa career.
The forward was signed from Borussia Dortmund in the winter transfer window for a fee of £19million, but opportunities were limited.
The 26-year-old made 17 appearances in all competitions, notching three goals for Unai Emery‘s side and will be hoping for a better return in the new campaign.
Malen to remain at Villa despite struggles
There were murmurings that Malen could demand a Villa Park exit after he struggled to earn a starting berth.
However, iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that he will stay in B6 and be handed the chance to prove himself.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, he said: “He was only signed a few months ago, and quite often he came off the bench.
“I mean, they signed him because they liked him, he had a good first half of the season for Dortmund, and he is a Dutch international.
“Whether he would be in Villa’s starting line-up, I’m not sure, but I would have thought it is a bit too soon to go off him, unless somebody came in with an offer that was too good to refuse.
“At his best, he is lively, he is very decent, I’d be surprised, he was only signed a few months ago, and he presumably signed at least a two/three-year deal at Villa.
“It would be strange if, having recruited him, they suddenly said, ‘Oh, by the way, we don’t want you now’.”
Villa can kick on with Malen
Emery needs to be patient with Malen, coming to a new league and adapting to a new system takes time, and he only signed in January.
If the Villans get it right, the former Dortmund man could have a huge part to play in the new season as Villa look to return to the Champions League.
The general consensus is that the Dutchman will play a significant role this season, especially as Monchi has not added any attackers who are capable of starting regularly at the moment.
With Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford leaving after the expiry of their loan deals, and neither looking likely to return, Malen can step up and take the reins and lead Emery’s side into a new era.
He could be a real asset if he can adapt to the pace and physicality of the English top-flight and he should be given a chance to do so in the new season.
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