In a recent tweet, Fabrizio Romano provided an update on Liverpool‘s pursuit of PSV Eindhoven forward Donyell Malen this summer as they are set to lose to Borussia Dortmund in the race to land him. It has been revealed that the Reds are showing interest in the Dutch attacker but are yet to launch an official bid for him in this off-season.
First part of paperworks has been signed for Donyell Malen move to Borussia Dortmund. PSV will receive €30m, deal to be announced once medical will be completed. 🟡⚫️🇳🇱 #BVB
Liverpool have never made an official bid for Malen. Interest yes, but no bid from #LFC.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 25, 2021
Malen’s Excellent Form In The Eredivisie Last Season
Malen had a fantastic campaign in Dutch football recently as he managed to make himself a top performer at the Philips Stadium. The 22-year-old registered 27 goals and ten assists in 45 matches for PSV last season in all competitions.
The Dutch striker was a consistent performer in the attacking end of the field based on his average of 3.5 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.6 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie. He even distributed the ball relatively well in the opponent’s half after making 79.6% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Dutch football (stats via whoscored).
Malen has been a joy to watch at PSV Eindhoven over the past 12 months. Hence, he would have been an exciting option for the Reds to consider before the start of the new season. At 22, he has a lot of room to grow into a world-class forward in European football someday.
Liverpool Set To Miss Out On Malen: What Should Be Klopp’s Play Here?
Malen is one of the quickest players in Dutch football and can turn on the afterburners to get the better of his marker in the final third. He is a skillful dribbler with the ball at his feet and has transformed himself into a consistent goal-scorer in front of the opposition goal. If last season was anything to go by, Malen is in for a very bright future as long as he can concentrate on getting better with each year.
The Dutch frontman can even be a decent playmaker in and around the opponent’s penalty area but is yet to prove himself at the highest level. Even then, the Wieringen-born starlet has won the Eredivisie title, so he has the right mindset to succeed at a place like Anfield.
Malen would have been a good addition to Liverpool’s squad ahead of the new campaign as he ticks all the right boxes in terms of what Klopp looks for in his forwards. The Reds head coach will now have to turn his attention to some of his other transfer targets if he wants to have a strong squad capable of challenging for multiple trophies over the next few seasons.
