Brighton and Hove Albion are planning one last attempt to sign Cologne’s Said El Mala this summer, with Fabian Hürzeler set to get involve personally.
Sport BILD report that while El Mala’s agent, his mother Sabrina, is ruling out a move to England, Brighton aren’t giving up yet.
New Brighton effort
The newspaper reports while his agent is focusing all of her efforts on securing a move next summer, Brighton won’t be dissuaded just yet.
They have been chasing Said El Mala since last summer and have long been considered his family’s favourite. They have also seen bids rejected this summer.
The fact they qualified for Europe last season was a boost for their hopes of a deal. But his agent’s insistence that no move will happen this year has pushed them backwards.
Despite this, Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler appears to be planning ‘one last attempt’ to make the move happen. He intends to use his personal connection with the player to agree a deal and get him to sign on the dotted line.
€50m plus bonuses
Said El Mala
Said El Mala
Cologne, for their part, have set an asking price of €50m including bonuses. Brighton had never spent such a sum on a player. But the recent deal for Luka Vuskovic has changed the dynamic. Now the feeling is that the Seagulls have cast off their ‘financial shackles’.
Hürzeler intends to make a new effort either way. Whether he is successful, remains to be seen. Even he is largely accepting that a move won’t happen this summer.
That is largely because of Sabrina El Mala’s statements to the Premier League. Not only has she turned down Brentford and Newcastle, but she’s also made it clear that only top clubs will be welcomed.
That list comprises of Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa. None of those clubs have made an offer as yet.
Brighton, and Hürzeler are planning to test that resolve. But all signs are that they will be unsuccessful.
🇮🇹 Andrea Natali | Brighton could soon make concrete offer ➡️ Seagulls edging ahead of competition https://t.co/Em5hKeLVDz #bhafc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) July 7, 2026