Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided a candid breakdown of the factors that led to the departure of forward Donyell Malen during the January transfer window.
The Three-Part Decision Behind the Transfer
Speaking on Friday, 17th January 2026, Emery described the choice to sanction Malen's move as a "tough decision" that was ultimately reached after careful consideration of three distinct parties. The Dutch international has joined AS Roma on a loan deal with an obligation to buy permanently in the summer.
Emery outlined the critical triad at the heart of the negotiation: the player, the team, and the club. He confirmed that while he personally would have preferred Malen to stay at Villa Park, the final outcome made logical sense for everyone involved.
Player Ambition and Club Finances Align
The primary driver was the player's own desire for a fresh challenge. Malen, a £20 million signing from Borussia Dortmund just last year, found consistent starts hard to secure under Emery. Seeking a guaranteed role as a central striker, he was open to listening to other offers.
"He opened his door to listen in case some team could give him something better than us," Emery stated, acknowledging the attacker's ambition. Despite not being a regular in the first XI, the manager stressed Malen had been an important contributor who scored goals.
From a financial perspective, the deal represents sound business for Villa. The structure of the transfer means Villa are set to turn a profit on their initial investment, fulfilling the club's side of the three-part equation.
Villa's Preparedness and Future Plans
Emery emphasised that the club was prepared for this eventuality and has been working on plans to adapt. "We’re ready for it," he asserted, indicating that Villa's squad planning accounted for potential departures.
The manager's pragmatic acceptance highlights a modern approach to squad management, balancing individual player aspirations with collective and financial health. He concluded by affirming the move was a "good deal for the club and a good deal for him", a resolution found after deep analysis of each facet of the situation.
