Less than a fortnight remains in the summer transfer window, yet Andoni Iraola still has several issues to resolve at Anfield. The priority remains finding a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
Bradley Barcola continues to be Liverpool’s No. 1 target, while interest in his PSG team-mate Ibrahim Mbaye has reportedly cooled. However, a reported £50million bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has added another option to the Reds’ plans.
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Curtis Jones is edging closer to a move to Inter Milan, while Cody Gakpo could also leave if Tottenham complete a deal for the Netherlands international.
FC Koln winger Said El Mala has also been linked with Liverpool this summer. The 19-year-old netted 13 goals and provided four assists in the Bundesliga last season, his first campaign in Germany’s top flight.
Despite his impressive form, El Mala was left out of Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He had previously been called up for a friendly against Luxembourg in November 2025 but remained an unused substitute.
After months of rumours and speculation over his future, El Mala will remain at FC Koln. In a major development, El Mala has officially extended his contract with the German club until June 2031.
“Since I’ve been here, FC Köln has given me a good feeling every single day. That’s why I enjoy coming to the Geißbockheim training ground every day; it’s incredibly fun working with the lads and the coaching staff, and I’ve learned so much,” Said El Mala.
“My first Bundesliga season here was something very special. And of course, I thought about my future afterwards. But the talks with the FC Köln management, with René and Thomas, were excellent; I feel a tremendous amount of trust and appreciation here.
“That’s why I’m staying – I want to have a good season with FC Köln and our fans, and I’ll give it my all, also because I know what it means to wear the number 10 for FC Köln.
FC Koln Managing Director Thomas Kessler added: “We are delighted that Said is continuing his journey with FC Köln.
“He made outstanding progress last season, establishing himself as an important part of our Bundesliga squad and being a key factor for our team with his performances and goals.
“It’s understandable that this development attracted interest from other clubs. Therefore, open and trusting communication with Said and his family about his future sporting prospects was all the more important for us.
“Together, we came to the conclusion that his potential is far from exhausted and that he will find excellent conditions here at the Geißbockheim training ground to take the next steps in his development.
“Since the start of pre-season training, Said has demonstrated every day with his performance, professionalism, and attitude that he is fully committed to this path. We have great confidence in him and are convinced that he will continue to play an important role in our team.”
El Mala will wear the No. 10 shirt going forward, becoming the first Koln player since Lukas Podolski to wear the iconic number.
El Mala will now look to continue proving himself at Koln in the hope of earning a chance under new Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp, who will take charge of his first game on September 24 when Germany travel to the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.
Said möchte euch persönlich ein paar Worte sagen. pic.twitter.com/sMeNpVTlqC
— 1. FC Köln (@fckoeln) August 20, 2026