Said El Mala

Recent reports from late 2026 suggest the player's value could now exceed €60 million, an increase from the €50 million asking price during the summer 2026 window. In that window, Borussia Dortmund's final rejected offer was reportedly a package worth €52-€55 million, with a base fee below €50 million. RB Leipzig was reportedly prepared to offer a package of €50-€60 million plus bonuses. Brentford had a €50 million package (€45 million fixed) accepted by Köln in June 2026 before the player declined the move. Earlier in 2026, Brighton had a €35 million bid rejected (April), and Chelsea was linked with a €45 million offer (March). Valuations in late 2025 ranged from €40 million to a potential €60 million. He transferred from Viktoria Köln to 1. FC Köln in July 2024 for a reported fee of €300,000-€450,000.

Our valuation is driven by the intense and well-documented negotiations during the summer 2026 transfer window. Multiple clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, engaged in talks with offers reportedly reaching packages of €55 million and €60 million respectively. Köln consistently held a firm asking price of at least a €50 million guaranteed fee, a figure Brentford was prepared to meet before Said El Mala rejected the move. His subsequent long-term contract extension until 2031 without a release clause has further strengthened Köln's position, with recent reports indicating the asking price has now risen above €60 million.