According to Bild, Leverkusen has made an unexpected entry into the competition to sign Cologne's 19-year-old German winger, Said El Mala. This development comes as Brighton seeks a quick summer transfer, for which the player's family has approved negotiations. The derby rival, Leverkusen, has now suddenly also entered the competition for the player. El Mala has scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances this season. His contract with Cologne is valid until 2030, and his current market value on Transfermarkt is €35.00m. Other top clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich, have also been linked with him. In March 2026, Chelsea reportedly made an offer of €45 million for the winger. At that time, Köln's asking price was said to be in the €50-60 million range. Brighton had bids of up to €30 million rejected in the winter.