MX23RW : Sunday, January 12 00:39:04| >> :120:9782:9782:

Barcelona transfer news: Catalan giants 'given encouragement' in pursuit of 38-goal attacker

Barcelona 'given encouragement' in pursuit of 38-goal forward
© Imago
Barcelona plan to make a move for Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen during next summer's transfer window, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly planning to make a move for Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen.

The 25-year-old has scored four times and registered one assist in 17 appearances for BVB during the 2024-25 campaign, while he has 38 goals and 20 assists in 128 matches in total for the German outfit since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in July 2021.

Malen has a contract with Dortmund until June 2026, but there is currently a host of speculation surrounding his future, with Sky Deutschland claiming that the forward will be allowed to leave his German club in January.

It is understood that BVB value the Netherlands international in the region of €25m (£20.7m), making him a low-cost option in the current market, and Barcelona are said to be keen on his services.

According to Fichajes, amid their ongoing financial concerns, Barcelona are looking to boost their attack, and Malen is viewed by the Catalan outfit as a player capable of making a difference to their side.

Donyell Malen of Borussia Dortmund during his side's match against SC Freiburg, on November 23, 2024© Imago

Barcelona 'eyeing move' for Dortmund attacker Malen

The report claims that Atletico Madrid are also keeping a close eye on the situation, while there has previously been suggestions of interest from the Premier League in the shape of Manchester United.

A January deal is said to be difficult due to Barcelona's financial situation, but Malen is believed to be willing to wait until the end of the season in order to secure a move to Hansi Flick's side.

Malen has made 30 career appearances in the Champions League for Dortmund and PSV Eindhoven, scoring six goals and registering one assist, while he has 29 goals and 16 assists in 91 Bundesliga outings.

The forward is a 41-time Netherlands international, meanwhile, representing his country at two European Championships, with the forward building up a strong CV at a relatively young age.

Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona celebrates his during his side's UEFA Champions League match against Brest, on November 26, 2024© Imago

Where would Barcelona use Malen?

Malen's versatility is one of his biggest strengths, with the Dutchman capable of operating in a number of different forward positions, including through the middle, although his best football generally comes off the right.

Barcelona do lack depth in the wide positions, with Ansu Fati still having his injury problems, and there is major pressure on both Raphinha and Lamine Yamal to stay fit due to a lack of options in the final third.

As a result, a move for Malen would make a lot of sense, particularly if it is a low-cost deal, but it is much more likely to occur next summer rather than in January despite the attacker's alleged desire to switch clubs in the middle of the campaign.

ID:559936:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5309:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Donyell Malen

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
A collage of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Viktor Gyokeres from November 2024
Read Next:
Who is Europe's top league scorer in 2024?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1am
Steelers
@
Ravens
6pm
Broncos
@
Bills
9.30pm
Packers
@
Eagles
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!