Chelsea and Newcastle United have now entered the race for FC Köln’s Said El-Mala ahead of the summer transfer window.
That’s according to Kicker. The German newspaper covers the 19-year-old today and a potential exit in the summer.
According to their information, the ‘breakout star’ of the current Bundesliga season has decided to change his inner circle.
His parents, Sabrina and Mohammed, now represent him, ending a long‑running partnership with his previous agents.
He had been represented by an agent from the Cologne region. That agent also represents his older brother, Malek El Mala. He currently plays for Köln’s U21 team.
Agent change
Said is ‘reorienting’ his career ahead of the summer. Being advised by family members is not uncommon in Germany either. And they’re aware that there is Premier League interest in the winger.
Brighton and Hove Albion have been pursuing him since last summer. the Seagulls have also submitted various, concrete offers.
Indeed, a report last month stated that they are taking the initiative to try and get a deal done. They want face-to-face talks about a transfer agreement.
A report three days ago then stated that El Mala’s asking price was now €50m. Brighton were believed to have a double advantage over any competition, though.
Chelsea and Newcastle efforts
Brighton target Said El Mala.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – 2 NOVEMBER, 2025: Jakub Kaminski, Said El Mala, goal, celebrations – The football match of Bundesliga 1.FC Koeln vs Hamburger SV at Rhein Energie Stadion.
Now that competition will seemingly include Chelsea and Newcastle. According to Kicker’s information, they are both making ‘strong bids’ for the winger. The nature of these bids isn’t made clear, but they’re putting them forwards either way.
Chelsea’s interest is not surprising given their ongoing determination to sign every youngster they can under Blue Co’s leadership.
Newcastle is slightly more surprising giving they have plenty of options on either wing at this moment in time. Reports have linked the likes of Anthony Gordon with an exit in the summer, though, so perhaps El-Mala could be a long-term replacement for him.
Given Transfermarkt have his current value at €40m, a €50m asking price may not be out of the realms of believability either.