Aston Villa lose multi-millions from Donyell Malen sale as unexpected data emerges

Aston Villa’s sale of Donyell Malen could be one of the worst decisions in the club’s history as the attacker continues to shine for Roma.

On Monday, the 27-year-old striker found the net again as the capital club beat Torino 2-0.

As a result, the Netherlands international has now netted six times in four Serie A matches this campaign already, which has helped springboard the club to the top of the table.

For many Roma fans, this form will come as little surprise after Malen netted 15 goals in 20 appearances in all competitions in the second half of the 2025-26 campaign before Roma made his loan from Aston Villa permanent.

Given his current form and the fact that Malen only cost Roma £21.4million, this could easily go down as one of the worst deals in Aston Villa’s history.

At the moment, the 27-year-old is one of the most in-form attackers in the world and someone Unai Emery could really do with at the moment.

How good has Donyell Malen been for Roma?

So far this season, Malen has no doubt been one of the best players in the Serie A.

According to Fotmob on 14 September, he has averaged 2.12 goals, a 1.48 xG, 6.00 shots, 3.18 shots on target, 1.41 chances created, 2.82 successful dribbles and 12.71 touches in the opposition’s box per 90 minutes.

These stats are simply incredible, and if he is able to keep up this form, he could have some massive clubs looking at him next summer.

Therefore, Villa’s decision to sell him for a relatively low fee has now cost them millions upon millions.

On top of this, given the club’s lack of a consistent attacking outlet this season, they could have really done with a player like Malen at the moment.

Aston Villa need to seriously review their transfer decisions in recent years

While Villa have done some excellent business in recent years, they have also made some terrible mistakes.

On top of the Malen sale, the club has undersold many stars while also overspending on others.

This appears to have caught up with the club this season, given their awful start to the campaign.

Therefore, Villa have to review their transfer business and understand how they are making these mistakes before they slip further down the table.