Will he leave—and if so, where to? The transfer saga surrounding Cologne’s Said El Mala is picking up steam after the season ended.
Said El Mala didn’t make the German World Cup squad—yet the 1. FC Köln top scorer is still in high demand. Thirteen goals and five assists, combined with a spectacular playing style, are qualities that have caught the attention of bigger clubs regarding the 19-year-old.
For months now, various clubs have been playing poker over the services of the right-footed player, who, however, still has a contract with Cologne until 2030. And that’s without an exit clause, which makes the deal particularly expensive for potential suitors and lucrative for FC. Now, things are finally moving forward. Most recently, sporting director Thomas Kessler had said he had no offer on the table that he needed to consider.
Brentford in the Pole Position
That has since changed. “If you look at Said based on the data, there aren’t many clubs in Europe that won’t be interested in him,” Kessler explains, but adds: “How they assess him beyond the data and whether they’re willing to pay the price 1. FC Köln is asking for—that’s still up in the air.” The Billy Goats are hoping for a transfer fee of at least 40 million euros—a sum few clubs can afford. But Kessler is certain: “There are many clubs looking at him, not just in England.”
There is also known concrete interest from similarly wealthy Premier League clubs. At least one has also submitted an offer that has Kessler taking notice—possibly Brentford, which narrowly missed out on qualifying for European competition but may have submitted a corresponding offer. Even though the 40-year-old naturally didn’t want to reveal which club it is. “At the very least, I would be open to talks.”