Brighton target Said El Mala
Brighton target Said El Mala
Brighton & Hove Albion want to bring 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala’s to the Premier League in the summer.
Brighton showed serious interest in the winger last summer, but the Bundesliga side didn’t entertain them.
The German club signed the 19-year-old from Viktoria Köln in June 2024 and immediately sent him back on loan.
He arrived at FC Köln last summer and has enjoyed a good run so far this season. El Mala has scored nine goals and contributed three assists from 26 matches in his debut season in the top flight.
The Germany U21 international has an XG of 7.10 and XA of 1.82, which shows he is over-performing. He’s created four big chances while missing 12 so far in the Bundesliga.
He averages 0.8 shots on target and makes 0.4 key passes per game in the league. It’s no surprise the youngster’s rise has caught the attention of Brighton and several other clubs.
Brighton not giving up on El Mala
Last month, Sport Witness relayed news from Germany of FC Köln rejecting the Seagulls’ written offer in the winter market.
Bild now points reiterate that and add Fabian Hürzeler’s had offered a deal worth up to €30m in January. Despite the rejection, they have no plans to give up, and continue to chase the player.
Brighton now want to ‘finalise a deal quickly’ and have re-established contact with the German club. They’re prepared to increase their offer to €35m plus bonuses.
El Mala recently parted ways with his agent and is now managed by his parents. The representatives have an agreement in principle on the terms proposed by Brighton. It’s now down for the two clubs to agree terms, and the Seagulls want to wrap it up as soon as possible.
The Premier League side are the only club to have shown interest in his brother, Malek, who represents FC Köln U21. This should give them a clear edge over other suitors like Chelsea and Newcastle United in the transfer race.
Last week, FC Köln appointed former West Ham United director Tim Steidten for squad planning. He now joins director Thomas Kessler in deciding El Mala’s future.
A quick agreement allows El Mala to only focus on the pitch until the end of this season.
€35m can be bargain for Brighton
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.
Last summer, the attacker signed an extension until 2030, even without playing a single match for his club.
His impressive performances have had a direct impact on his value, which has increased as the season progressed.
Transfermarkt valued El Mala at €3m in June 2025 and €18m in October and €40m this month. It’s likely to rise further.
If Brighton were to wrap up the deal for €35m plus bonuses, it can turn out to be one of the bargain deals of the summer.