Chelsea and Newcastle United are among the clubs chasing 1. FC Koln's Said El Mala.
The Bundesliga side signed the winger from Victoria Köln in June 2024 and sent him back on loan.
He arrived at FC Köln the previous summer and his performances in his first season drew attention from Chelsea, Newcastle United and other clubs.
The 19-year-old is in his first season in the top division and has performed brilliantly for his club, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in 26 league appearances. His statistics per game are quite impressive.
- Shots: 1.9
- Shots on target: 0.8
- Goals per game: 0.62
- Assists per game: 0.21
- Goals + assists: 0.83
His rise in the Bundesliga has led to interest from several clubs, particularly the Premier League. This includes Chelsea, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Chelsea ready to spend to beat others
Brighton have long been pursuing the Germany U21 international and made an offer in the winter market, and it was rejected by FC Köln.
El Mala has parted ways with his long-term agent and his parents are looking after his future.
On Wednesday, Sports Witness Covered claims from Germany That his new agent has agreed a deal in principle with Brighton. The source said the Seagulls are preparing to increase their offer to €35m plus bonuses.
Cologne City GazetteThe German club's local newspaper covered it and gave their opinion on the matter, including the Blues and Eddie Howe's side.
FC Köln did not receive any official offer from Brighton, while his parents did not explicitly state that he wanted to leave. Negotiations will only take place if a bid of €40m is on the table.
There are several clubs willing to pay more than the requested amount, but they have no intention of signing his brother, Malek, who represents FC Colón U21. Newcastle United and Chelsea have both been mentioned.
Magpies officials have already watched him in live action and even visited him at the Hyatt Hotel earlier this month. Meanwhile, his former agent held talks with Chelsea in February.
Liam Rosenior's team 'willing to pay' €45m [€5m more than requested price] And offer him a seven-year contract worth €5m per year. This is likely to see him beat off Eddie Howe, Brighton and others in the summer transfer race.
However, El Mala knows that he will not get regular playing time at Stamford Bridge and could go out on loan. This can't happen in Brighton.
Transfer battle brewing involving PL trio
El Mala are likely to move to the Premier League after this season. With the Blues, Howe's side and Brighton keen, there could be a battle in the summer window.
Chelsea are clearly willing to pay more, given the chances of beating Newcastle United and the Seagulls. However, the sporting aspect could have a big impact on where the German is next.
The attacker has a contract until 2030 transfer market He is worth €40m.
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🇽🇰Choose Kosovo instead of Germany https://t.co/gzoRT3yDup #thfc #joyce #cfc- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 18 March 2026
