Why Aston Villa let Donyell Malen go despite his goal return

Aston Villa have sanctioned the departure of Donyell Malen, with the attacker completing a move to AS Roma on an initial loan deal that is expected to become permanent next summer.

On the surface, the decision appears surprising. Malen is Villa’s second-highest scorer this season, having registered 10 goals across all competitions since his £20m arrival from Borussia Dortmund just 12 months ago. He also quickly became a fan favourite at Villa Park.

Dig deeper, however, and the logic behind the transfer becomes clearer.

Despite his goal return, Malen never truly nailed down a starting role under Unai Emery. The Dutchman started just seven Premier League matches, with Emery consistently preferring to deploy him as an impact substitute rather than a fixture in the starting XI.

That role suited Malen’s explosive qualities, but it came at a cost. The 25-year-old is understood to want regular minutes as a central striker, rather than operating in a supporting role behind Ollie Watkins.

Some of Malen’s most effective displays came when he played alongside Watkins rather than behind him. Villa’s 2–1 win over Burnley — in which Malen scored both goals — remains the standout example of what he could offer when given greater freedom closer to goal.

Crucially, this was not a reflection of Emery doubting Malen’s quality. The Villa manager rates the forward highly but did not view him as an ideal fit for his preferred structure.

Emery’s system relies heavily on a focal point up front who can press, hold the ball, and bring others into play consistently. While Malen excelled in moments, Emery did not see him as the long-term answer to that role.

As a result, the decision to let him go was described internally as a footballing choice, not a disciplinary or performance-related one.

Villa’s financial position also shaped the decision. Unlike last January — when the club raised close to £100m through the sales of Jhon Durán, Diego Carlos and Jaden Philogene — there were fewer expendable assets this time around.

Malen, not being part of Emery’s strongest XI, represented one of the few squad players capable of generating a fee in excess of £20m without immediately forcing a replacement signing.

Operating under strict financial rules, Villa judged the timing right to cash in.

With Malen gone, Villa are expected to move for a more traditional centre-forward to compete directly with Watkins. Tammy Abraham is known to be on the club’s shortlist.

Currently on loan at Beşiktaş, Abraham has scored seven goals in 17 league appearances and has not gone more than two matches without finding the net since late September — a level of consistency Villa value highly.

The profile Emery is seeking is clear: a natural number nine rather than a hybrid attacker.

Selling Malen mid-season may feel uncomfortable given his popularity and productivity, but from Villa’s perspective it was a calculated move.

He was not viewed as part of Emery’s ideal starting XI, the player wanted a different role, and the club needed flexibility in the market. In that context, the decision begins to make sense — even if it remains one that will divide opinion among supporters.

Villa’s next move in the striker market will define whether selling Malen proves inspired or misguided. If a natural centre-forward arrives and delivers, Emery’s judgement will be vindicated. If not, this decision will remain under scrutiny.

Was selling Donyell Malen a smart tactical call — or a risk Aston Villa may come to regret?