Brighton & Hove Albion want to bring 1. FC Koln's Said El Mala to the Premier League in the summer.
Brighton showed serious interest in the winger last summer, but the Bundesliga side did not entertain him.
The German club signed the 19-year-old from Victoria Köln in June 2024 and immediately sent him back on loan.
He arrived at FC Köln last summer and has enjoyed good performances so far this season. El Mala has scored nine goals and provided three assists in 26 matches in his first season in the top flight.
The Germany U21 international has an XG of 7.10 and They have created four big chances so far in the Bundesliga while missing 12 chances.
He averages 0.8 shots on goal and makes 0.4 key passes per game in the league. It is no surprise that the young player's rise has attracted the attention of Brighton and a number of other clubs.
brighton is not leaving el rosary
Last month, Sports Witness broadcast news FC Köln from Germany rejected a written offer from the Seagulls in the winter market.
image Now Point repeats this and adds that Fabian Herzeler was offered a deal worth up to €30m in January. Despite the rejection, he has no plans to give up and continues pursuing the player.
Brighton now want to 'finalise the deal quickly' and re-establish contact with the German club. They are prepared to increase their offer to €35m plus bonuses.
El Mala recently parted ways with his agent and is now managed by his parents. The delegates agreed in principle to the terms proposed by Brighton. It is now necessary for both clubs to agree terms and the Seagulls want to conclude this as soon as possible.
The Premier League team is the only club that has shown interest in his brother Malek, who represents FC Köln U21. This should give them a clear edge over other contenders like Chelsea and Newcastle United in the transfer race.
Last week, FC Köln appointed former West Ham United director Tim Steadten for squad planning. Now he has joined director Thomas Kessler in deciding the future of El Mala.
A quick agreement allows El Mala to focus solely on the pitch until the end of this season.
€35m could be profitable for Brighton
Last summer, the attacker signed an extension until 2030, without playing a single match for his club.
His impressive performances have had a direct impact on his value, which has increased as the season has progressed.
transfer market El Mala was valued at €3 million in June 2025, €18 million in October and €40 million this month. It is likely to increase further.
If Brighton were to complete a deal for a €35 million plus bonus, it could become one of the bargain deals of the summer.
