FC Koln are fully preparing for the possibility of losing breakout star Said El Mala this summer, with supervisory board chairman Lionel Souk confirming that negotiations for a deal to Brighton are underway.
Fussball transfer report on Souk’s comments today. He made an appearance on the Drycat Podcast this week, during which El Mala was one of the topics covered.
And he admitted that talks are taking place behind the scenes over the 19-year-old’s future.
“I know the El Mala family well,” He said.
“They were in my office two weeks ago – the father, the mother and their two sons. A very understanding family. Top players, and I believe El Mala can also achieve something with us in the future.
“We’ll see what happens. But I’m not the one who makes the decisions. That’s Thomas Kessler’s job as managing director.”
Colon is desperate to retain his rising star
That said, El Mala has become one of the Bundesliga’s most talked-about young attackers this season.
The youngster is currently the second-highest German goalscorer in the division with 10 goals in 27 games.
Brighton are long-time fans and have been trying to get him for months. A report last week said that these efforts will continue during this international break. Colon has resisted so far.
Souk made it clear that the club would prefer to retain El Mala but admitted that the player’s ambitions and Colon’s financial limitations would shape the outcome.
“Ideally, Saeed would stay. He has only played 1,300 minutes and is already the second-highest German goalscorer in the Bundesliga. And he doesn’t take any penalties,” He added.
“It’s quite an achievement. A player like that is fantastic. He’s a very nice guy. I would be happy if he stayed with us for a long time. It remains to be seen if he wants to and if we can afford it financially.”
brighton stepped up its efforts
Brighton have been working on a deal since last summer, wary of competition for the signature of Said El Mala from the likes of Chelsea.
A report earlier this month said They have already reached an agreement On an agreement with the player and his advisors – his parents. This leaves the Seagulls confident that they have found their man.
He has insisted on talks this week But made it clear that their The next proposal would be his last. They do not expect to pay more than €35m for the winger. This is also his current valuation on Transfermarkt.
With Sooke now confirming behind-the-scenes talks with El Mala and his family, the fight for El Mala’s future is very much on.
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