In July, after the 19-year-old German winger returned from a loan at Viktoria Köln to 1. FC Köln, a significant offer from Brighton & Hove Albion arrived at Geißbockheim. Despite the interest, 1. FC Köln's Sport-Boss Thomas Kessler stated that selling El Mala was never considered. Instead, 1. FC Köln extended his contract until 2030 with a salary increase, rejecting further attempts from Brighton & Hove Albion as they plan to develop him carefully. According to Transfermarkt, the player's market value is currently €3.00m.