‘Here we go’ – Fabrizio Romano green lights deal for £20M Newcastle United target

Aston Villa appear poised to secure the signing of Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, signaling an important addition to their attacking options. Under Unai Emery’s leadership, the club has been actively seeking reinforcements to boost their campaign, which has faced challenges despite their presence in the Champions League.

Similar to Newcastle’s situation a year ago, Aston Villa has struggled to maintain consistency in the Premier League, with their performances affected by the demands of competing on multiple fronts.

The increased workload in European competitions has been attributed to a rise in muscular injuries within the squad, which has contributed to a lackluster run during the festive period.

Despite these setbacks, Villa remains competitive, sitting just three points behind a rejuvenated Newcastle United side that currently occupies fifth place in the Premier League table.

To address their recent struggles and bolster their attacking depth, the club has turned its attention to Donyell Malen, a Dutch international known for his versatility and goal-scoring ability.

Malen’s addition would complement the existing firepower of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, providing Emery with more tactical flexibility and options in the final third.

Reports from German outlet Bild last week suggested that Newcastle United was considering a late move to hijack the deal, but Aston Villa has now taken a decisive step toward securing the forward’s services.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the transfer, describing it as a near-done deal. According to Romano, Aston Villa has reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for a transfer fee of €23 million, with an additional €3 million in performance-related add-ons.

The announcement comes with the customary “here we go” seal of approval, a hallmark of Romano’s transfer confirmations. He stated that the medical examination and final formalities are expected to take place soon, with both the club and player having reached full agreement on the terms of the move.

Romano’s post added credibility to the earlier reports and solidified the expectation that Malen would join Aston Villa in the coming days. The forward’s arrival represents a significant coup for the Midlands club, as they aim to strengthen their squad and push for a higher position in both domestic and European competitions.

Malen’s pace, technical skill, and ability to play across the front line make him an asset for Villa, particularly as they seek to navigate the demanding schedule of the Premier League and Champions League.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has maintained a cautious stance regarding his club’s transfer activity in the current window. When questioned by the media, Howe downplayed the likelihood of any major signings, emphasizing a pragmatic approach to squad improvements.

He explained that while the ambition to enhance the team remains constant, practical limitations often dictate the extent of activity during transfer windows.

Howe stated, “My method is that when you go into every window, you have the mindset that you’re trying to improve the team and the squad if you can. That has to be your view, otherwise, you’re going to stand still or regress. But these days, it’s changed. It’s what you can do, rather than what you want to do.”

His comments highlight the evolving nature of modern football transfers, where financial considerations, market conditions, and availability often play pivotal roles in determining a club’s ability to make significant additions.

For Aston Villa, the acquisition of Malen signals their intent to remain competitive at the highest level. The forward’s experience with Borussia Dortmund, coupled with his international pedigree, offers Villa a player capable of making an immediate impact. With the deal nearing completion, the focus will shift to integrating Malen into the squad and ensuring he adapts quickly to Emery’s tactical system.

As the January transfer window progresses, Villa’s proactive approach reflects their ambition to challenge for European qualification and establish themselves as a force in both domestic and continental competitions.

The addition of Donyell Malen not only strengthens their attacking lineup but also serves as a statement of intent, showcasing the club’s commitment to building a team capable of competing at the highest level.

With key players like Watkins and Duran already in place, Malen’s arrival adds another layer of quality to an evolving Aston Villa side eager to achieve greater success in the months ahead.