The strongest interest in FC Köln's Said El Mala, a 19-year-old German winger, is currently coming from the Premier League, with Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and FC Chelsea all making concrete efforts to sign him. Brighton has reportedly already had offers rejected by Köln, with bids up to €30 million said to have been turned down in the winter.
The German club is said to have increased its asking price for El Mala to 50 million euros. The club wants to delay to achieve the best possible transfer fee, with a quick sale only planned if an offer exceeds that amount. Reports from March 2026 indicate Chelsea made a €45 million offer. The German U21 international has 10 goals and 4 assists in 27 Bundesliga games this season and is under contract until 2030. His current Transfermarkt market value is €35 million.
