Key Takeaways:
- AC Milan have started tracking 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala amidst Dortmund’s ongoing transfer negotiations
- Dortmund have raised their bid to a €50m guaranteed fee, adding €5m in potential bonuses
- Köln rejected Dortmund’s previous €45m package, demanding stronger terms for the young attacker
Dortmund’s Persistent Bid for El Mala
As negotiations for 1. FC Köln star Said El Mala continue, Borussia Dortmund have escalated their pursuit with an improved package totalling €55m. Sky Germany reports that the latest offer includes a €50m guaranteed transfer fee supplemented by up to €5m in bonuses – another substantial increase as BVB strive to secure one of German football’s most highly regarded young attackers.
🚨 Borussia Dortmund are set to submit a €55M offer, including €5M in add-ons, for Said El Mala.
El Mala has already agreed personal terms with Dortmund and is waiting for the final decision.
No official offer has reached 1. FC Koln yet.
(Source: @Plettigoal) pic.twitter.com/MAtxu7mcEP
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 12, 2026
Details of Negotiation and Evolving Offers
Köln had turned down Dortmund’s second proposal, which according to Sky consisted of €37m guaranteed and €8m in add-ons, for an overall value of €45m. Despite this, the Bundesliga runners-up are determined to bolster their squad and have escalated their bid in recent days. Get German Football News previously indicated that BVB prepared to increase their offer to around €50m, although at that point, the club’s hierarchy considered €50m their ceiling for a combined package, whereas Köln maintained a preference for that amount to be paid up front, without reliance on performance-related bonuses.
The new offer reported by Sky now aligns with Köln’s preferred financial structure. If Dortmund’s proposal of €50m guaranteed plus €5m in bonuses meets Köln’s requirements, a breakthrough in negotiations could be imminent.
| Offer Stage | Guaranteed Fee (€m) | Bonuses (€m) | Total Package (€m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Offer | 37 | 8 | 45 |
| Latest Offer | 50 | 5 | 55 |
AC Milan Monitor Developments Closely
Complicating matters, AC Milan have now entered the mix, according to the Express. The Italian giants are monitoring the situation and could move for El Mala if talks between Dortmund and Köln break down. While Milan have not yet submitted an offer, their increasing interest could add further intrigue to an already protracted transfer story.
Köln’s Stance
Throughout negotiations, Köln’s managing director Thomas Kessler and Said El Mala have reportedly maintained a mutual understanding regarding the player’s next steps. Should Dortmund reach the financial threshold set by Köln, the club will not to block the transfer.
