Key Takeaways:
- Borussia Dortmund have suspended efforts to sign Said El Mala after four unsuccessful bids, the latest rejected this week
- Koln are holding out for a minimum guaranteed €50m for El Mala, who registered 13 goals and five assists in his debut Bundesliga season
- Should El Mala depart, Koln have identified Marcel Regula of Zaglebie Lubin as a potential replacement
Bidding Stalemate Between Dortmund and Koln
Borussia Dortmund have decided to withdraw, for the time being, from negotiations over the transfer of Koln’s attacking prospect Said El Mala. The decision comes after their fourth bid was turned down by the Bundesliga rivals.
🚨❌ DEAL OFF unless a transfer miracle happens before Deadline Day.
“Said El Mala is not a Borussia Dortmund player and he will not become one this summer either,” BVB boss Lars Ricken told Funke Mediengruppe when asked directly.
“We have had open discussions with the people… pic.twitter.com/p8Tr7Bly5j
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 14, 2026
Despite reportedly tabling an offer totalling €55m including bonuses, Dortmund did not meet Koln’s strict demand for a guaranteed €50m upfront payment. This stalemate has led to frustration within the Dortmund camp, as their counterparts remain resolute over their valuation of the 13-goal, five-assist forward, who impressed in his breakthrough Bundesliga campaign.
Koln’s Transfer Strategy and Regula as Replacement
With the possibility of Said El Mala moving on, Koln are preparing contingency plans. Their sights are set on Zaglebie Lubin’s 19-year-old Marcel Regula, who enjoyed a productive season in Poland’s Ekstraklasa, featuring in 31 league matches with five goals and five assists. Regula has already scored at the start of the current campaign, further boosting his appeal as a prospective signing should El Mala exit the club.
