Brighton & Hove Albion's written offer for Cologne star Said El-Mala had a starting price of €25–26m, and also a good salary package.
This is according to Sky Germany. The outlet has provided its details on Brighton's recent attempt to land the winger ahead of the competition.
Sport Witness has been covering Brighton's interest in El-Mala since last summer. The Seagulls are pushing to sign the Bundesliga's breakout star amid increasing competition.
He was unsuccessful in tryouts in the summer but returned with a second attempt in the January transfer window. Cologne rejected his efforts, but Brighton were not worried.
The Premier League side want to finalize the deal before the summer. Sport Witness has covered its efforts on that front, with a report at 11th interpretation of His double entendre for Saeed and his brother, Malek.
Brighton offer €25-26m
Sky now provides its own information. Brighton were prepared to pay up to €30m for the 19-year-old rising star in January.
This would involve loaning him back to Köln for the second half of the season.
A transfer fee of around €25-26m would have been guaranteed. This would also include a 10% sell on clause, while El Mala would have earned up to €3.5 million per season. This information has also been given by Sport Bild.
The second attempt involved offering El-Mala a long-term contract with his brother. However, Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler did not allow negotiations to take place even at first. He rejected Brighton's proposal outright.
bayern munich competition
According to Sky, Colón told El Mala that he was not for sale in January because they did not want to cause unrest in the team.
The German side considers them important in the fight against demotion. If there is to be a sale, they would prefer to do it in the summer.
So, Brighton are working on that. But internally, Colon believes more attractive offers may be forthcoming. He has Bayern Munich in his sights. The German champions see El Mala as potential support for Luis Diaz.
El Mala, for his part, wants to move in the summer if his current situation does not change. He has had a falling out with manager Lukas Kwasniok and if that doesn't change, he wants out. Brighton England is ready to welcome him.
