Brighton target Said El Mala.
COLOGNE, GERMANY – 2 NOVEMBER, 2025: Jakub Kaminski, Said El Mala, goal, celebrations – The football match of Bundesliga 1.FC Koeln vs Hamburger SV at Rhein Energie Stadion.
Brighton & Hove Albion have pursuing 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala for several months and already made offers.
During the summer, the Bundesliga club rejected the Seagulls’ €20m bid for the winger, but that did not put off the latter. Tony Bloom then led Brighton’s pursuit in the winter market.
Earlier this month, Sport Witness relayed German claims of Brighton tabling a €25-30m bid in January.
A week ago, FC Köln director Thomas Kessler refused to comment on these claims when asked about the English club’s offer. However, the official explained his side may not be able to hold on to him for long.
Monday’s edition of Bild covers Brighton’s ongoing interest in the 19-year-old and provides the latest.
Brighton target losing prominence at FC Köln
The Germany U21 international has scored seven goals and contributed three assists from 24 matches in all competitions this season. He has one goal in this calendar year and has failed to contribute an assist.
Bild have provided their take on why the player desired by Brighton has struggled to shine in recent weeks.
The newspaper states things have gone wrong for him and the ‘fun of the first-half finale has vanished’. The Bundesliga side promised El Mala an important role, but that doesn’t appear to be the case in recent weeks.
Therefore, El Mala ‘will leave’ FC Köln after this season even though he has a contract until 2030.
Brighton determined to sign El Mala
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
Towards the end, the focus is on Brighton’s determination to bring El Mala to The Amex.
Last month, Sport Witness relayed claims from Germany of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur building interest.
Bild now only mention Fabian Hürzeler’s side, who are ‘pushing hard in the fight’ for the player’s signature.
According to the report, the Seagulls have already seen FC Köln reject their written offer of €30m are expected to return with a new bid.
They add: ‘The English club is pushing for a quick transfer decision for El Mala. And Köln isn’t doing much to prevent it.’