Köln turned down an offer from Brighton & Hove Albion for Said El Mala before the season. According to BILD, a written offer of 10 million from Brighton for El Mala was turned down by FC. Brighton owner Anthony Bloom personally called Lionell Souque, an FC supervisory board member, to try to facilitate the transfer. Bloom signaled to Souque that they were also willing to pay much more for the player. BILD also reported that Bloom made a verbal offer of 20 million at the time. Thomas Kessler, FC's sporting director, recommended to the committee responsible for top transfers that the offer be rejected. Köln then extended El Mala's contract until 2030.

According to reports in Germany, FC Köln winger Said El Mala remains a high priority for the Seagulls and could be sold for the right price in January.

According to Bild, Brighton is also following Said El Mala, who is estimated at around 20 million euros. Bild also reports that Said El Mala is not expected to leave Cologne this winter, but a departure next summer appears to be set.

Brighton & Hove Albion made an offer for Said El Mala in the low double-digit million range. 1. FC Köln rejected the offer, hoping that El Mala could generate a much higher sum in the coming years.