Wanting to bridge the gap between himself and Premier Leaguefirst four, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted a second bid worth more than £15m to sign the Champions League talent this month.
Aston Villa transfer news
The Villans have enjoyed quite the summer transfer window, bringing in names such as Amadou Onana ahead of a number of sides, but that has yet to allow them to replicate last season’s achievements. Sitting ninth in the Premier League and struggling to juggle European and domestic football for the first time, Unai EmeryThis month’s squad may still feature some fresh faces, as their 2-2 draw against Brighton highlighted last time out.
Additionally, names such as Yasin Ozcan have already been mentioned as the January transfer window moves on. Recent reports have even gone so far as to suggest that those in the Midlands are have already agreed on a contract to sign the young central defender by Super Liga Kasimpas. Whether that deal will cross the border remains to be seen.
Connected
It seems that he is not the only target either. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Aston Villa submit second offer worth €18m (£14.9m) + add-ons to sign Donyell Malen after their initial bid was rejected by Borussia Dortmund who want more than €20m (£17m) guaranteed.
It’s a German club willing to sell their wingeras reported by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, but they appear to be in no mood to accept a price cut. As negotiations continue, however, it is clear that Aston Villa are not giving up in their bid to secure Malen’s signature.
A player who can play on the right and lead the line, Malen’s arrival could create an immediate concern for Leon Bailey, who struggled to replicate last season’s impressive form.
“Incredible” Malen could complete Aston Villa’s attack
Bailey’s form should worry those at Villa Park, who will be desperate to see their goals shared rather than solely relying on Ollie Watkins or Jhon Duran – often off the bench – to provide the golden touch. Without a goal all season and with just three assists in 22 appearances in all competitions, the winger is quickly becoming a weak point that Malen could address immediately.
|
League statistics 24/25 (via FBref) |
Donyell Malen |
Leon Bailey |
|---|---|---|
|
It starts |
6 |
11 |
|
Goals |
3 |
0 |
|
Assists |
0 |
2 |
|
Expected goals |
2.8 |
1 |
The stats suggest that while Malen is in desperate need of a move away from Dortmund this month, he has remained clinical in front of goal – scoring three goals in just six starts. Bailey, meanwhile, struggled to create chances and struggled to become the attacking spark that Villa benefited from last campaign.
Regardless of where he is at the German club, Malen has been at the center Courtesy of Sebastian Kehl 2023 The sporting director told WAZ as reported by BVB Buzz: “We’ve known for months that he has incredible potential, and we knew that last year as well.
“He’s an incredibly enriching element to this team, that was the idea behind his signing and I’m glad he’s showing it a lot more often now. He was still missing the last step and now he’s done it. Donny’s got incredible confidence.”
