After a disappointing season in which they finished 12th in the Premier League table, Newcastle United are looking to make some serious reinforcments to their squad. They have reignited their interest in a possible transfer target, but there’s a catch.
Liverpool have been a real thorn in the Toon’s side so far this summer. They have already scuppered their efforts to sign Victor Munoz by swooping in themselves – now, the Reds could do the same once against with FC Koln winger Said El Mala.
According to a report from Mail Online, Liverpool will pursue a move for Said El Mala if they fail to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. With Leipzig demanding an extortionate amount of money for the Ivorian international, this could well be the case.
However, Liverpool’s chances of landing their man did in increase recently. It was revealed that PSG, their main transfer rivals, have yet to make an offer to counter the Reds’ [via Philipp Hinze on X]. As such, if the Parisian giants move aside, this would allow Liverpool to complete a move – if they can match his asking price.
To complicate matters further, there are other clubs in the race, too. Sport BILD reported that Tottenham Hotspur are amongst the interested parties, while GOAL mentioned that Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Brighton are also in the mix.
On top of all this, Brentford recently made an effort to snap El Mala up, but he rejected a move to the Bees, informing them that does ‘not want to join the club’ [via Florian Plettenberg on X].
Said El Mala 2025/26 Bundesliga stats
Games Goals Assists Yellow Cards Red Cards
Said El Mala 34 13 5 4 0
El Mala enjoyed a wonderful season for Koln in the Bundesliga during the 2025/26 campaign. Despite playing for a team that struggled manfully throughout the year, finishing 14th, he was able to carve out a very respectable goals and assists tally.
While he is a natural left-winger who likes to cut inside on his right foot, he can also function effectively as an attacking midfielder or as an out-and-out striker.
Such pliability is crucial in the modern game, though he would likely play exclusively as a wide player if he makes the jump to Newcastle or Liverpool.
Would Newcastle or Liverpool benefit more signing Said El Mala?
Right now, both Liverpool and Newcastle are in need of a top-quality winger. The Reds have recently said their goodbyes to long-time legend Mohamed Salah, while the Mags have lost Anthony Gordon to Barcelona.
Additionally, neither of them have an enormously large array of wide players to fall back on. Liverpool’s wingers are of a stronger stature than Newcastle’s, but the Toon have more of them.
Ultimately, Liverpool have two pretty solid left-wingers on their books in Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha – if anything, they need a right-winger more than anything. Newcastle, meanwhile, can only call upon Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy on the left.
Barnes is a fine player, but Murphy’s best years are beyond him by now. They probably need El Mala more than Liverpool do – but as things stand, it appears that things are out of their hands.