Donyell Malen

[dcdavecollett]

We were given a big warning re Charles. When TSM was in charge at Small Heath, he wanted to sign N'zogbia. Apparently, he told his agent to ask for more money than had been offered, so the move broke down. A year later, McLeish was here and was straight in for CN'Z for an inflated fee and big wages on a five year contract. Oh dear!!

[Drummond]

I think the lack of an effective (pacy) wide right has also significantly contributed to our defensive issues. Teams can pressure us with relatively little fear of play being stretched, pace and width completely change that. It’s clearly not the only issue, but I think it’s quite an important part.

Spot on.

Absolutely. When we had Diaby there was always a threat with both him and Watkins. Now there's just one and bailey just doesn't seem able to go full pelt (presumably because he's not completely recovered from his muscle issues).

[eamonn]

We were given a big warning re Charles. When TSM was in charge at Small Heath, he wanted to sign N'zogbia. Apparently, he told his agent to ask for more money than had been offered, so the move broke down. A year later, McLeish was here and was straight in for CN'Z for an inflated fee and big wages on a five year contract. Oh dear!!

Give Shay Given a 5 year deal on his Citeh wages while you're at it even though he's on the wane.

[Ian.]

Well I’m glad that this is the area we’re looking at, as I think this is top priority, then I’d really want a top class right centre back and then if I’m being greedy and decent right back to cover or replace Cash.

[olaftab]

This particular red flag is worrying:

Malen’s form has always been volatile, with hot streaks melting away as quickly as they appeared.

[Dante Lavelli]

This particular red flag is worrying:

Malen’s form has always been volatile, with hot streaks melting away as quickly as they appeared.

That’s why he’s costing about £20m not £50m+.  I’ve no idea whether he’s good but he’s played in a series of inconsistent Dortmund teams with a long list of managers.  I doubt he’s had a coach like emery and the relative stability we currently offer.

[Demitri_C]

This particular red flag is worrying:

Malen’s form has always been volatile, with hot streaks melting away as quickly as they appeared.

Yeah i said this a few pages back. But under a world class coach like unai maybe he can get him to play better consistently

[dutchvilla]

From a Dutch friend: "he is fast, unpredictable but always aiming for the goal and he has gained good experience in Germany, much more stable than in his psv days".

[SaddVillan]

Get the impression that Malen's got the ability, but needs the right environment and ciach to help him realise his talent.

Unai's got a track record of improving players, and was in charge at Arsenal when Malen was there as s youth, so he could know about him.

[Aldridge Villa]

Perhaps time to start an individual thread about him?

This story popped up in the Heil the other day and in the last hour David Ornstein and Percy are both reporting our interest, apparently opening bid of 20m euros rejected but talks remain ongoing.

I can't say I've been wowed by what I've seen of him in the past. My gut instinct is that he isn't as good as Diaby. However he scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga last season so for potentially 20m we can't turn our noses up at that especially as we badly need another option on the right.

Think he was also at Arsenal in their youth team when Emery was there.

I hope he’s a lot better than Diaby.

[eamonn]

Wingers are erratic by nature, aren't they? Inconsistent like no other fvcker on earth.

[VillaTim]

This particular red flag is worrying:

Malen’s form has always been volatile, with hot streaks melting away as quickly as they appeared.

He'll fit right in with Bailey 2.0 and Watkins

[PaulWinch again]

If he scores as many goals as Watkins and gets as many assists he’ll be an incredible signing.

[Smirker]

Malen would be a top signing. Wanted him a few years ago.

[LeonW]

Wingers are erratic by nature, aren't they? Inconsistent like no other fvcker on earth.

The really good ones aren’t which is what makes them really good. Salah, Saka, etc. Unlikely we’ll unearth one like that very easily and Malen isn’t that.