Said El Mala is increasingly likely to remain at 1. FC Köln for the upcoming season after the Bundesliga club reversed plans to sell the 19-year-old, though Brighton & Hove Albion continue to monitor the situation.
The Germany youth international was widely expected to depart this summer, with Köln demanding approximately €50 million for his signature. However, according to Geissblog, the club are now planning to keep the midfielder, while Bild reports that El Mala himself is considering spending another season in Germany rather than pushing for an immediate transfer.
Financial breathing room
Köln’s change of stance has been made possible by developments elsewhere in their squad. Polish winger Jakub Kamiński is close to completing a €20 million move to Portuguese giants SL Benfica, providing the Bundesliga side with substantial funds to strengthen without being forced to cash in on their prized teenager.
This improved financial position allows Köln to maintain their firm valuation of El Mala. The club have shown no intention of lowering the €50 million asking price, a figure that has so far proven prohibitive for interested parties.
Premier League interest tested
Brighton & Hove Albion remain highly interested in securing El Mala’s services, according to local newspaper Express. The Premier League club tabled an offer of around €35 million earlier in the window but cooled their approach after failing to reach an agreement with Köln.
Despite the stalled negotiations, Brighton are prepared to wait until late in the transfer window before potentially making their move. However, they would need to substantially increase their bid to meet Köln’s demands.
Earlier this summer, El Mala turned down a proposed move to Brentford FC. Moves to both Brighton and Brentford have subsequently fallen through, leaving the player without a clear route to England’s top flight at this stage.
Other notable clubs have also been linked with the teenager. Newcastle United, Liverpool FC and Borussia Dortmund have all been mentioned as potential suitors, though none are currently demonstrating concrete interest in meeting the valuation. Newcastle’s recruitment of Bazoumana Touré from TSG Hoffenheim has further reduced the competition for El Mala’s signature.
While the transfer window remains open and a club could yet trigger the release clause, Köln are no longer under pressure to negotiate. Retaining El Mala would provide a significant boost to their midfield options as they prepare for the new campaign, allowing the 19-year-old to continue his development in familiar surroundings.