Aston Villa have completed the signing of forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund.
The 25-year-old Netherlands international joins the Premier League side for a reported fee of €23m (£19m), with an additional €3m (£2.5m) in potential add-ons. However, Villa did not disclose the transfer fee or the duration of Malen’s contract.
Malen, a former Arsenal youth player, scored 13 goals in the Bundesliga last season and played a key role in helping Dortmund reach the Champions League final.
At Villa Park, he faces a similar challenge, as Unai Emery’s team competes to advance in the Champions League.
With nine goals in 41 appearances for the Netherlands, Malen also featured in Euro 2024. He joins a Villa squad currently sitting eighth in the Premier League, just four points shy of the Champions League qualification spots.
Dortmund’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, expressed gratitude for Malen’s contributions, stating on the club’s website, “We would like to thank Donyell for three and a half years in black and yellow.”
“Even if not all sporting expectations were ultimately fulfilled on both sides, we look back on beautiful moments, important goals and believe that we have now found a good solution for everyone.”
It is yet to be determined whether Malen will make his debut for Aston Villa in their Premier League match against Everton on Wednesday, January 15, at 19:30 GMT.
Malen’s signing coincides with Villa forward Jaden Philogene nearing a move to Premier League rivals Ipswich Town.
Emery said of Malen and Philogene at his pre-match media conference ahead of facing Everton: “Of course, it’s a change. A clear change. One player leaving, one player joining us.”