Key Takeaways:
- Koln have rejected Brighton’s €20 million bid for Said El Mala during the summer transfer window
- Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are monitoring El Mala ahead of a potential move next summer
- Koln are demanding in excess of €35 million for the 19-year-old, which would set a new club transfer record
Transfer Interest Intensifies in El Mala
Both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have registered their interest in Koln winger Said El Mala, as the Bundesliga club insist they will only sanction his departure for a club-record fee. The 19-year-old, whose contract with Koln runs until 2030, has already been the subject of a €20 million bid from Brighton earlier in the summer, an approach Koln decisively rejected.
🚨🔴 EXCL | FC Bayern are monitoring Said El #Mala very closely and have placed him on their extended shortlist for the upcoming transfer windows.
Köln have already been informed of Bayern’s interest. Other top clubs are also lying in wait.
The 19 y/o talented left winger is… pic.twitter.com/4gUL57wRiS
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 6, 2025
Koln Demand Record Fee Amid Summer Bids
Sources close to SportingPedia claim that Koln are demanding a fee exceeding €35 million (£30m/$40m) for El Mala, which would surpass any previous sale by the club. While Koln remain determined to keep hold of their promising prospect, the considerable interest from Germany’s top clubs suggests a bidding war could occur next summer. The teenager has also expressed his desire to inherit the number 10 shirt at Koln, which has not been worn since Lukas Podolski’s departure in 2012.
| Club | Reported Bid | Koln’s Response | Asking Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brighton | €20 million | Rejected | Over €35 million |
| Bayern Munich | Interest | TBD | |
| Borussia Dortmund | Interest | TBD |
Development and First Team Breakthrough
Recruited from Viktoria Koln in the summer of 2024, El Mala initially returned to his previous club on loan for the duration of the season. He featured regularly in the third tier of German football before re-joining Koln to commence his senior career. Upon his return, he began the season with five appearances from the bench in the Bundesliga, marking the occasion with his first goal against Freiburg. El Mala made his first league start at the weekend and scored the decisive goal as Koln edged Hoffenheim 1-0.
Recognition and Potential Germany Call-Up
El Mala’s impactful performance against Hoffenheim drew praise from Koln defender Joel Schmied, who commented after the victory: “I told him before the game: ‘Get into your game with simple moves. You don’t have to prove to everyone right away that you’re the ultimate dribbler’ – and then he delivers a goal so quickly. My advice paid off, and he’s doing incredibly well. Now we have to make sure we keep the boy grounded. Then things will go quite well.”
There are suggestions that the young winger could soon receive a senior call-up to the Germany national side. Koln coach Lukas Kwasniok stated: “The only thing that helps you is working hard, staying humble. And then demonstrating the qualities he undoubtedly has, week after week. That’s what it will be all about.”
Future Prospects and Transfer Outlook
With Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both tracking his progress, a major transfer tussle may be on the horizon for El Mala. However, the 19-year-old remains focused on establishing himself in Koln’s first team during the 2025-26 season and targeting consistent minutes before making any decisions regarding his next career move.
