1. Brighton & Hove Albion face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and others in the race for FC Koln's Saeed El Mala.
The Seagulls have already tried to bring the winger to the Premier League. Brighton first tried one last summer and have returned to the winter market with a new offering.
However, the Bundesliga side turned it down, and Brighton are still pursuing the 19-year-old for the summer. He is not alone as Tottenham is one of the clubs pursuing him.
In his first season in the top flight, El Mala has impressed so far, scoring nine goals and three assists. To give an idea of his development, below is a table of his Bundesliga statistics per game.
| bundesliga statistics | |
|---|---|
| Expected goals per season | 7.1 |
| Expected assists per season | 1.82 |
| perfect pass | 7.4 |
| perfect cross | 0.3 |
| shot on target | 0.8 |
| target change | 18% |
| successful dribble | 1.3 |
El Mala's form and ability make him one of the most sought-after players on the market. The Seagulls are aware of his qualities and Spurs appear to be challenging them for his signature.
Tug of war between tottenham and brighton
regional newspapers cologne review Cover the latest from the North London club while reporting on Fabian Herzeler's side.
On Wednesday, Sports Witness broadcast news Brighton have an agreement in principle with his new agents, who are his parents, and will offer €35m.
However, FC Köln are reacting quietly to this claim as €35m would not be enough to acquire his services. There is no information regarding Brighton's offer or El Mala's commitment to the Amex club.
The German club now value their star at €40 million and the price could rise further if he receives a senior call-up and makes it to the World Cup.
Brighton are not alone as Kolnische Rundschau state Tottenham and Chelsea are also keen.
Another newspaper, Cologne City GazetteIt is reported that Köln has no knowledge of the offer from Brighton and his starting price is €40m.
There is no mention of Spurs, but the newspaper says the player is 'likely to move to England this summer.'
In short, Brighton face a battle with Tottenham and need at least €40m to sign El Mala.
Young's contract, price and agent information
Regarding its agents, KST states: 'The family founded L Mala Vermogensverwaltungs KG, a limited partnership registered in the commercial register based in Krefeld. Sabrina L. Mala is general partner, the brothers are shareholders. A Krefeld-based lawyer specializing in agricultural law will be consulted during the contract review, an unusual choice for a multi-million euro deal in professional football.'
The Germany U21 international joined the club from Victoria Köln in June 2024 and spent the last season on loan with Victoria Köln.
Upon returning to his parent club, FC Köln extended his contract. [in July 2025] By 2030.
transfer market He is now valued at €40 million, which is what the Bundesliga side are demanding.
🇦🇷 Christian Romero | respect and affection for tottenham
🤍 Defender questioned over transfer – changes angle
💬 Explains the feelings for Spurs, but doesn't rule out the summer being gone... 👇https://t.co/HvSTngEh6z #thfc #Happiness- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 19 March 2026
