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 and Hove Albion’s next offer for Köln star Said El Mala will be their last as they look to secure a deal during this international break.
SportBILD report that there have recently been several phone calls between Brighton and Köln’s new squad planner, Tim Steidten.
The Seagulls are increasing the pressure for final negotiations over El-Mala.
Köln taking their time
The German club, though, are taking their time. They have recently changed manager and that means they’re yet to establish a clear position on El Mala. That will be sorted during the international break.
Sporting director Thomas Kessler and Steidten want to take their time and define the ‘exact minimum acceptable price’.
They also want to determined when a good time for talks and which club should be contacted first.
Brighton advantage
Brighton are not the only ones pushing. Said El Mala and his brother Malek recently split with their agent, instead leaving their parents in charge of their future. Chelsea are among the ones interested.
But Brighton have an advantage. They have already received the go-ahead for negotiations from Sabrina El Mala, the player’s mother. She is now handling their representation.
Furthermore, Brighton have made concrete offers for both sons. That puts them ahead of the competition as the brothers would prefer to stay together. Other suitors are only interested in Said at this moment in time.
Long-term Seagulls effort
Brighton have been actively pursuing the family for nine months and have already submitted several offers. They are the only ones who want both brothers.
Now they are aiming to finalise the transfer as soon as possible. They want to schedule a personal meeting with Köln’s management during this international break.
Their next offer is expected to be their final one. And they are not expecting to spend more than €35m on the 19-year-old. Bonuses would be added to that.
They need to meet with Köln and iron out an agreement.
For now, the Bundesliga club are holding off. They want to decide their own stance and asking price in this international break before entering into any negotiations with Brighton or other suitors.
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— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 19, 2026