Said El-Mala
FC Köln are fully preparing for the possibility of losing breakout star Said El Mala this summer, with supervisory board chairman Lionel Souque confirming talks are underway as Brighton push for a deal.
Fussball Transfers report on comments from Souque today. He made an appearance on the Dreierkette podcast this week, during which El Mala was one of the subjects covered.
And he admitted that talks are taking place behind the scenes regarding the 19-year-old’s future.
“I know the El Mala family well,” he said.
“They were in my office two weeks ago – father, mother, and their two sons. A very sensible family. Top players, and I believe that El Mala can also achieve something with us in the future.
“We’ll see what happens. But I’m not the one who makes the decisions. That’s Thomas Kessler’s job as managing director.”
Köln desperate to keep their rising star
Said El Mala has become one of the Bundesliga’s most talked-about young attackers this season.
The youngster is currently the second-highest German goalscorer in the division with 10 goals in 27 games.
Brighton are long-term admirers and have been making efforts to get him for months. A report last week explained those efforts would continue during this international break. Köln have so far resisted.
Souque made it clear that the club would love to keep El Mala but admitted that both the player’s ambitions and Köln’s financial limits will shape the outcome.
“Ideally, Said would stay. He’s only played 1,300 minutes and is already the second-highest German goalscorer in the Bundesliga. And he doesn’t take any penalties,” he added.
“That’s quite an achievement. A player like that is fantastic. He’s a very good lad. I’d be delighted if he stayed with us longer. Whether he wants to and whether we can afford it financially remains to be seen.”
Brighton intensify their efforts
Brighton have been working on a deal since last summer, wary of competition for Said El Mala’s signature from the likes of Chelsea.
A report earlier this month stated that they have already reached an agreement with the player and his advisors – his parents – over a deal. That’s given the Seagulls confidence they can get their man.
They have pushed for talks this week but made it clear that their next offer will be their last. They do not expect to pay more than €35m for the winger. That’s his current valuation on Transfermarkt too.
With Souque now confirming behind the scenes talks with El Mala and his family, the battle for El Mala’s future is very much ongoing.