Aston Villa top source reacts after ‘deeply disappointing’ Donyell Malen twist
Donyell Malen impressed in his first start for Aston Villa as they beat Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday (9 February) to advance in the FA Cup.
The 26-year-old joined permanently from Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window and signed a contract running until June 2029.
Malen made two substitute appearances for Villa in the Premier League before being given his first start by manager Unai Emery.
Aston Villa’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Villa Park between 2016 and 2018 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has given his reaction to an unexpected new twist for Malen at the Midlands giants.
Malen suffers early blow at Aston Villa as decision made
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness claimed Champions League football was a big factor in the 26-year-old’s decision to join Villa last month – but he has been left out of the squad for the competition this season.
The Athletic claimed (8 February) that Malen has been left “deeply disappointed” at his exclusion from the Champions League squad at the expense of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
Wyness insisted he is sure the Netherlands international will “settle down” at Villa Park despite the early disappointment.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “From what I understand, Malen made his decision to come to Villa based on Champions League football – to a great degree.
“The reality is that Villa signed too many players to put them all in the squad.
“Unfortunately two players had to miss out, and he is one of them.
“However, I’m pretty sure he’ll have been buoyed by the manager giving him a lot of praise for his performances so far.
“I’m sure he will settle down at Villa.
“They’ve got a lot on their plate – another round of the FA Cup, Champions League, and they need to fight harder in the Premier League.
“He’s got a lot to achieve, he’ll be rewarded well – and he’s already settled in very quickly.
“He’s been very impressive.”
Aston Villa to follow Duran exit with more summer sales
Wyness has also told Football Insider (6 February) that Aston Villa will need to sell more players in the summer despite losing Jhon Duran for big money.
Villa have added more than £11million to their wage bill for the remainder of the 2024-25 season despite Duran’s exit.
The former CEO warned that Emery‘s side will have to part with more first-team stars if they drop into the Europa League for next season.
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