Man United boss Michael Carrickplaceholder image
Man United boss Michael Carrick | Getty Images
Manchester United have the opportunity to freshen up their ranks this summer
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are ‘keen’ on FC Koln ace Said El Mala. The report suggests his price tag could be as high as £52million. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Brighton and Hove Albion and Barcelona have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Michael Carrick remains in caretaker charge at Old Trafford. He was named interim boss after their decision to cut ties with Ruben Amorim. He continues to hold the fort until a permanent successor is found.
Who is Manchester United-linked Said El Mala?
El Mala, 19, is a 6ft 2inc winger who has caught the eye at Koln this season. They could face a real battle to keep hold of him this summer amid strong attention from elsewhere. His contract with the Bundesliga outfit expires in June 2030 meaning he still has plenty of time left to run down on his deal.
The Germany youth international joined his current club in 2024 and he has become a key player for them over recent times. He has made 25 appearances in all competitions in this campaign to date. The Western Germany-born man has chipped in with an eye-catchign eight goals.
El Mala broke into the first-team at Viktoria Koln as a teenager before Koln snapped him up from their city rivals. He was initially loaned back out to Sportpark Höhenberg to get some experience under his belt and boost his development. Upon his return, he has since established himself as an important member of the senior set-up and is highly-rated.
He said in an interview this past winter: “I think almost everybody knows by now that I started playing football because of my dad. Given the standards back then, he played in a relatively good league. I think it was the regional league back then.
"He took us onto the pitch and the dads played on the main pitch while the kids played off to the side and watched as well. I think I must have been three or four at the time and I always played with my brother. As soon as it was possible, we were registered with the club and that’s how things started.”
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