Borussia Dortmund was previously considered a contender for Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln. Bild states that a transfer in the winter window is almost excluded. El Mala's contract with 1. FC Köln runs until 2030 and contains no release clause.

Following an outstanding start to the season, El Mala was linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund, and a transfer fee of 35 million euros is already being discussed for the coming summer.

Said El Mala's agent commented on rumors that he is in talks with Borussia Dortmund, telling the 'Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger' that the current reports that the agent's side is meeting with Dortmund, Bayern or clubs from England are not correct.

According to 'Sky', Borussia Dortmund, FC Bayern, and other international clubs are showing interest in 19-year-old German winger Said El Mala. BVB had previously inquired about the player before his transfer from Viktoria Köln to 1. FC Köln for 300,000 euros last year, and FC Bayern has reportedly informed both the player's side and the club of its intentions. 1. FC Köln and sports director Thomas Kessler are aware of the interest from top German clubs, but their stance is firm. According to information from the 'Express', the club has decided not to sell El Mala under any circumstances this winter, with the regional newspaper suggesting that even a 40 million euro offer would be rejected. The club previously turned down an offer of up to 15 million euros from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion last summer. For a potential transfer next summer, 'Sky' reports it would take at least 35 million euros to persuade Köln to sell. The player's contract with the club runs until June 30, 2030, and his current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €3 million.