Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini says Aston Villa’s willingness to let Donyell Malen leave over tactical issues presented an unexpected transfer opportunity.
Speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, Gasperini explained that Malen wanted to play through the middle, a role the Italian believed suited him.
In comments translated by Football Italia, he said:
“suddenly we heard that Aston Villa were selling Malen due to tactical issues.”
Gasperini backed Malen as a centre-forward
Gasperini said Roma had been considering other names before Malen became available.
The forward’s preference for a central role matched his own assessment of where the Dutchman could be most effective. Even so, he admitted Malen’s subsequent scoring return had exceeded his expectations.
That is Gasperini’s account of the opportunity Roma identified, rather than a new explanation from Unai Emery or Villa.
Malen’s departure also formed part of the club’s wider reshaping of the squad, explored in our assessment of Aston Villa’s transfer sales.
A familiar selection question for Emery
The comments will reopen discussion about whether Villa made the most of Malen’s attacking strengths.
They also underline how much a player’s role can influence his fortunes after a transfer.
Villa’s current forwards face their own competition for opportunities. Alejandro Garnacho scored in Friday’s 3-1 victory over Sevilla, with Brentford next in the Premier League.
