1. FC Köln director Thomas Kessler has refused to confirm or deny Brighton & Hove Albion’s late winter approach for Said El Mala.
Express.de in Germany have published a detailed interview with the Bundesliga club official. Brighton’s failed attempt to sign the 19-year-old in the recently concluded window was a topic of discussion.
Fabian Hürzeler’s side have long been keen on bringing the winger to The Amex. Köln already rejected their €20m bid last summer. That didn’t put off the Seagulls as Tony Bloom was leading their pursuit in January.
Last week’s edition of SportBild reported the Premier League side made a formal, written offer of €25-30m in the last window. Brighton also offered to improve the player’s current salary by 10 times.
Brighton or any other club weren’t able to take the Germany U21 international away from Köln.
Express.de specifically asked the German club’s director about Brighton’s ‘serious offer’ of €25-30m.
Responding to that, he said: “I generally don’t comment on such speculation in detail. What’s crucial for us is that Said has developed very positively in a short time, and his performances have contributed significantly to our season so far. He brings quality to the pitch week after week and has earned this attention through hard work.
“It’s important for us to support him closely, provide him with stability, and take the next steps together so that he can continue to help us in the second half of the season.”
Brighton don’t seem to be giving up on the attacker yet. Last Thursday, Bild stated Köln value El Mala at €40m but want to collect around €50-60m. The belief is other top clubs will submit offers higher than that of Brighton in the summer.
When asked whether Köln can keep El Mala beyond this season, Kessler explained: “We deliberately signed Said to a long-term contract with FC Köln before the season even started because we are convinced of his development and have a clear plan for him.
“At the same time, it’s part of our business to consider market developments. We do this professionally and with the necessary composure. For us, the most important thing is that Said is an important part of our sporting concept, and we expect him to continue his career at Köln.”
This should encourage Hürzeler’s side to return for the German after this season.
El Mala has a contract until 2030 and has seven goals and three assists from 21 league games.