Aston Villa fans react to ‘ridiculous’ Donyell Malen transfer developments as January exit nears
Donyell Malen looks set to leave Aston Villa on loan in the imminent future.
Unai Emery clearly believes Malen isn’t needed at Villa, even though he has scored seven goals in all competitions this season.
Malen’s brace against Burnley on 5 October marked his first goals for Villa since April, and ever since that performance, he has made the most of his limited opportunities.
The Netherlands international scored twice against Young Boys in the Europa League, while also registering an assist for Emi Buendia’s goal in Villa’s 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday.
Napoli and Atletico Madrid have been linked with Malen, although Roma is now the nailed-on destination for the 26-year-old.
Roma director flies back to Italy to complete Donyell Malen deal
Malen’s biggest challenge has been registering consistent starts in the Premier League, having only played 645 minutes despite being Villa’s third-top scorer.
Roma are negotiating with Malen and Aston Villa to secure his services in a loan deal which has an option-to-buy clause.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Roma director Frederic Massara is travelling back to the Italian capital to complete the Malen deal this week.
Malen has become a fan favourite at Villa, and fans online have had a mixed reaction to the news that he could leave in the January transfer window.
One fan also added: “If these Malen rumours are true… I will genuinely be gutted. I really like what he’s brought to Villa since joining last January.”
However, one supporter backed Villa‘s thinking and believes fans should place more trust in their plans.
Villa will need to find a replacement for the Dutch forward very quickly, and he could certainly be a big miss in B6.
Malen has what it takes to become an instant hit at Roma
Malen is Villa’s only somewhat senior natural striker behind Ollie Watkins, and Emery could come to regret the decision to loan him out.
The Dutch forward can play in any position across the front line, and he even started a centre-forward against Spurs in the FA Cup third-round win.
It must be said that Villa are interested in Ferran Torres, with the Barcelona forward providing a similar level of versatility in attack.
| Stat | Malen |
| Appearances | 60 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Expected goals | 4.04 |
| Shots | 27 |
Although Torres is more than capable of improving on Malen’s form, the Dutchman has a unique set of qualities.
His ball-striking ability is incredibly clean, and he rarely looks nervous or shows a lack of composure in front of goal.
Despite not possessing blistering pace, he has a habit of using his body to shield the ball from defenders.
Malen will definitely be missed by Villa fans, and he certainly has what it takes to be successful for Roma.
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