Brighton & Hove Albion are closing in on the signing of highly rated Said El Mala, with reports in Germany suggesting the 1. FC Köln forward has agreed to join the Premier League side despite interest from Chelsea.
According to reports from Bild, negotiations between Brighton and Köln have accelerated after the player’s representatives — including his family, who act as his advisors — gave the green light for a summer transfer.
The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising young attackers in German football, having scored nine goals and registered four assists in his breakthrough Bundesliga season. His performances have drawn widespread attention across Europe, with multiple clubs monitoring his development.
CHELSEA had been linked with a potential move for El Mala in recent months, alongside other Premier League sides, but Brighton now appear to have moved into pole position to secure his signature. The Seagulls have tracked the player since last summer and are understood to have made several bids, including offers in the region of €30 million that were previously rejected by Köln.
However, Brighton are now prepared to significantly increase their offer, with reports suggesting a deal worth up to €35 million plus add-ons could be agreed. The proposed transfer would represent a major investment in youth by the Premier League club, who have built a reputation for identifying and developing emerging talent.
El Mala is expected to sign a long-term contract if the move is completed, with a five-year deal reportedly on the table. There is also speculation that Brighton could include his older brother Malek in the transfer package as part of negotiations with Köln.
For Köln, the decision to sell may ultimately depend on the financial package offered, as the club had previously resisted approaches during the January transfer window. Club officials have publicly stressed their desire to continue the player’s development, though they acknowledge the realities of the transfer market.
El Mala’s rise has been rapid. Having only made his professional debut in 2024, he has quickly established himself as a key attacking option, combining pace, physicality and technical ability to become one of the Bundesliga’s standout young players.
While CHELSEA’s interest highlighted his growing reputation, Brighton’s persistence now appears to be paying off. If completed, the move would underline the club’s continued commitment to recruiting elite young talent — and could mark another significant step in El Mala’s fast-rising career.
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