Top clubs from Bayern to Barcelona are positioning themselves for Said El Mala in the upcoming summer, and there is public expectation of a transfer for a very large sum of money. Internally at 1. FC Köln, it is understood that the club will find it difficult to refuse an offer beyond 60 million euros for Said El Mala. Thomas Kessler stated that if a club makes an offer and 1. FC Köln has to consider whether it is worth taking the money to reinvest and make the squad stronger, then they will eventually think about it.

According to a report by Christian Falk on his own website, FC Barcelona has an interest in Said El Mala.

FC Barcelona has the 19-year-old German winger Said El Mala on their list, as do other top clubs including Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City. The English club Brighton submitted a €20 million offer for the 1. FC Köln player last summer. The Germany U21 international joined Köln in July 2024 and has scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists in 12 Bundesliga appearances this season. El Mala is under contract until 2030, and his current market value is €18.00m, according to Transfermarkt. Despite the interest from these clubs, he has ruled out a transfer in the upcoming winter window, confirming to BILD that he will definitely stay. The player acknowledged that interest from multiple clubs is normal but stated that he is fully focused on Köln.