Brighton remain strongly interested in Said El Mala and are reportedly prepared to wait until late in the transfer window before reviving their pursuit.
Express, via BuliNews, claims Albion still have the 19-year-old 1. FC Köln winger on their list despite earlier talks failing to produce a deal.
The same report says Brighton could return later in the window, with Köln still holding firm over a high valuation. El Mala has also attracted interest from Brentford, Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool this summer, although the current level of competition may now be lower.
Brighton have already been looking at attacking alternatives. ReadBrighton covered how Albion were watching Jakub Kaminski as another wide option, but BuliNews reports Kaminski now looks set to join Benfica instead.
Brighton Keep El Mala Door Open
El Mala would fit Brighton’s recruitment model.
He is young, highly rated and already carries a clear resale profile. The challenge is price. Köln have reportedly wanted around €50m, which is a major fee for a teenager with limited senior experience.
Brighton’s patience makes sense if they believe the market could soften. Late-window pressure can change a selling club’s position, especially if a player’s camp remains open to a move.
There is still no sign of a fresh Brighton bid. That keeps this at interest stage rather than an advanced deal.
But Albion’s stance is worth noting. They have not walked away from El Mala, and the final weeks of the window could still bring another attempt.
