Everton are in the market for a new winger this summer.
The Toffees are expected to sign Jack Grealish again – The Friedkin Group are said to prefer another loan deal, but a permanent move is possible.
Leicester No.7 Abdul Fatawu is also a target for Everton – and is expected to be sold as the Foxes face financial issues.
Now – according to BILD in Germany – it would appear Said El Mala of FC Koln is a primary target, as the German news outlet say Everton are set to make a bid after Newcastle were turned down.
How we could do with one of these guys right now! 😫
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Romelu Lukaku of Everton celebrates his goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Hull City and Everton
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Dodd – CameraSport/Alex Livesey/Jan Kruger.
Everton ‘expected to enter’ bidding war to sign Said El Mala
The Germany U21 international is enjoying a superb 2025/26 campaign with FC Koln, netting ten goals and providing four assists in 28 Bundesliga appearances so far.
BILD say his performances have led FC Koln to slap a €50m (£44m) price tag on his head, and Brighton have already seen a €40m (£35m) offer rejected.
The German news outlet add that Newcastle have made contact to sign the 19-year-old as well, but were told that El Mala is ‘leaning’ towards a move to Brighton if that £44m valuation is met.
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However, that stance could well change if Everton put an enticing proposal on the table, but there is further competition as BILD say Fulham and Brentford are interested as well.
£44m would be a lot for Everton to shell out on a teenager yet to play any football outside of Germany in his short career so far, but as The Friedkin Group aim to bring young talent to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, there are few prospects more exciting than El Mala.
Will TFG have to move away from Moyes to achieve their recruitment model? 😬
Dan Friedkin.
BILD add that FC Koln are ready to sell the Krefeld-born winger this summer, and are already accounting for his sale in their financial books for this year.
So, if Everton can appease both the Bundesliga club and El Mala himself, a deal could be on.
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