Lionel Souque, chairman of the FC Koln board, has spoken about Said El Mala’s long-term future at the club as Premier League interest continues to grow.
The 19-year-old winger has been in fine form the last few weeks, scoring three goals and picking up one assist in his last five games to earn the Billy Goats three valuable draws in their fight for Bundesliga survival.
It was reported that Brighton had a substantial offer rejected by the German club for the wonderkid at the end of the January window, and they remain keen on securing his signature.
Although the Seagulls were the only club to table a bid, fellow English clubs Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester City have all been linked with the youngster in recent weeks, as well as European giants Bayern Munich.
Koln’s Chief Executive Souque has now spoken about El Mala’s future amid all the speculation, telling the Express: “I know the El Mala family well. They were in my office two weeks ago – father, mother and the two sons. Very reasonable family. Top players, I believe that Malek can also become something in the future with us.
“We’ll see what happens. But I’m not the man who decides. Thomas Kessler does that as managing director.”
The Albion have also been linked with Said’s older brother, Malek, with many reports stating that Fabian Hurzeler’s side are the only club wanting to sign both players, which could give them a big advantage in the race.
Souque continued: “(The) ideal would be for Said to stay. He has only played 1300 minutes and is already the second best scorer in the Bundesliga. And he doesn’t shoot penalties. That’s a feat. Such a player is great.
“He’s a very good boy. I would be happy if he stayed with us longer. Whether he wants that and we can afford it financially, it will be seen.”
Despite the south coast side facing competition from bigger clubs, they may feel optimistic in finalising a deal, especially given their long-term admiration of the attacker and talks of an agreement already being in place with the El Mala family, who took over from his and his brother’s agents as their representatives.