Chelsea target Said El Mala
Chelsea target Said El Mala
Chelsea and Newcastle United are among the clubs chasing 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala.
The Bundesliga side signed the winger from Viktoria Köln in June 2024 and sent him back on loan.
He arrived at FC Köln last summer and his performances in his debut season have seen Chelsea, Newcastle United and other clubs take notice.
The 19-year-old is in his first season in the top division and starred for his club, scoring nine goals and contributing three assists from 26 league matches. His stats per game are quite impressive.
Shots: 1.9
Shots on target: 0.8
Goals per game: 0.62
Assists per game: 0.21
Goals + Assists: 0.83
His rise in the Bundesliga have seen several clubs, especially from the Premier League, show interest. This includes Chelsea, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chelsea ready to spend to beat others
Brighton have been chasing the Germany U21 international for a long time and made an offer in the winter market, and FC Köln rejected it.
El Mala has parted ways with his long-term agent, and his parents are taking care of his future.
On Wednesday, Sport Witness covered claims from Germany that his new agents have agreed a deal in principle with Brighton. The source said the Seagulls are preparing to raise their offer to €35m plus bonuses.
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, a newspaper local to the German club, relay that and provide their own take on this case, including on the Blues and Eddie Howe’s side.
FC Köln didn’t receive an official offer from Brighton while his parents categorically didn’t say he wants to leave. The negotiations would only take place if there’s a €40m bid on the table.
There are clubs willing to pay more than the requested amount but they have no intention to sign his brother, Malek, who represents FC Köln U21. Both Newcastle United and Chelsea are mentioned.
Magpies’ officials have already watched him live in action and were even the Hyatt Hotel earlier this month. Meanwhile, his former agent held talks with Chelsea in February.
Liam Rosenior’s side are ‘prepared to pay’ €45m [€5m more than requested price] and offer him a seven-year contract worth €5m per year. This is likely to beat Eddie Howe’s, Brighton and others in the transfer race in the summer.
However, El Mala knows he won’t get regular playing time at Stamford Bridge and could go out on loan. That may not be the case at Brighton.
Transfer battle brewing involving PL trio
Said El Mala
COLOGNE, GERMANY – 17 January, 2026: Said El Mala, Danny da Costa, 1.Bundesliga football match 1. FC Koeln vs 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Rhein Energie Stadion
El Mala is likely to move to the Premier League after this season. With the Blues, Howe’s side and Brighton keen, there could be a battle in the summer window.
Chelsea clearly have the willingness to pay more, likely to beat Newcastle United and the Seagulls. However, the sporting aspect could have a big influence on where the German would next.
The attacker has a contract until 2030 and Transfermarkt value him €40m.
🇩🇪 Fisnik Asllani | Tottenham and Chelsea in mix to sign Kosovo ‘shooting star’
📈 23-year-old on upward curve
🧠 Has shown mental resilience
🇽🇰 Chooses Kosovo over Germany https://t.co/gzoRT3yDup #thfc #coys #cfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 18, 2026