At a glance
- Brighton have stepped back from the race for Said El Mala
- Cologne are demanding around €50 million for the 19-year-old winger
- Chelsea and other Premier League clubs are still monitoring the situation
FC Cologne are refusing to lower their demands for Said El Mala with the Bundesliga club valuing the teenage sensation at close to €50 million amid growing interest from the Premier League.
The 19-year-old Germany Under-21 international has become one of the brightest young attacking talents in Europe after a standout campaign that has produced 12 Bundesliga goals and five assists. Brighton have tracked El Mala closely for months but the latest developments suggest the Seagulls are no longer leading the chase.
Brighton Pull Back After Cologne Stand Firm
The Seagulls made several attempts to sign El Mala during the season with offers reportedly rising from £24 million to £30 million alongside lucrative sell-on clauses.
One proposal even included a move for the winger’s older brother Malek El Mala from Cologne II as Albion pushed to get a deal over the line.
German reports claimed Brighton had already reached positive agreements with the player’s family over a potential move to the south coast. Cologne however rejected every approach before eventually placing a £43 million valuation on the winger.
That fee would comfortably surpass Brighton’s current transfer record and appears to have forced Fabian Hurzeler’s side to explore alternative options.
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Said El Mala Deal Still Attracting Premier League Interest
Although Brighton’s interest has cooled the Said El Mala deal remains one of the biggest developing stories ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea are understood to have registered their interest while Newcastle United could emerge as contenders if Anthony Gordon leaves St James’ Park. Bayern Munich have also followed El Mala’s progress but reports in Germany claim the Bundesliga champions are unwilling to meet Cologne’s asking price.
Cologne meanwhile are staying calm over the growing speculation. Club officials are prepared to offer El Mala a new contract if their valuation is not met this summer.
Focus Remains on World Cup Ambitions
Despite the transfer noise surrounding him El Mala’s immediate focus remains on international football and the upcoming World Cup.
El Mala wants a future move to the Premier League and believes he can make the jump to English football. For now though Cologne hold the cards and insist that any club hoping to sign one of Europe’s most exciting young forwards must pay a premium price.
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