Donyell Malen’s first words as an Aston Villa player following move from Borussia Dortmund | OneFootball

Donyell Malen became Aston Villa’s first January signing on Tuesday afternoon as he joined from Borussia Dortmund for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of €25 million.

The Dutch international arrived at Villa Park on the back of 13 goals in Bundesliga last season, while also helping BVB to reach the Champions League Final. In total, he netted 39 goals and registered a further 20 assists in 132 games for the Signal Iduna Park residents.

Malen touched down at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training where he met up with his new boss Unai Emery, the assistant coaches Monchi and Damian Vidagany, and his new team-mates – all before linking with the club’s media department. He explained his pride at having joined the club, and his ambitions for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

Addressing the crux of his move, a “very happy” Malen spoke about what attracted him to the West Midlands club who currently occupy eighth place in the Premier League table.

“I think the ambitions, the plan of the coach. It’s a nice stadium. I’ve seen a lot this year. Those are the reasons.”

Speaking of the experience and skill he can offer his new club, the former PSV man continued, “I’ve seen a lot of football. I’ve been in different leagues now. I’ve played in the Euros, I’ve played a lot of tournaments, so that creates a lot of character, so from there, I just have to show it.”

“I’m a forward. I try to create, score goals, give assists and just give the stadium a buzz. I try to do special things. (…) I’ll try to help the team and give them something, that’s one of my qualities. From there, I have to keep pushing and look up.”

Of course, another smaller aspect of Malen’s move sees him link up with Oranje teammate Ian Maatsen. Upon the mention of his close friend and compatriot, Malen beamed:

“Yeah, (Ian) texted me a few times and I spoke to him. He said very good things about the club, so I’m very happy to see him again.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield