Brighton are playing HARDBALL in their pursuit of Cologne whizkid Said El Mala but the Seagulls face a proper scrap with Bayern Munich for the 19 year old’s signature.
The Premier League side have already seen a massive January offer booted into touch by the Bundesliga strugglers. But according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Fabian Hurzeler’s men are refusing to wave the white flag .
Brighton’s winter move was serious business. We’re talking a guaranteed €25/26million, with add ons taking the total package to around €30m. They even chucked in a 10 per cent sell on clause and offered to take his brother Malek who plays for Cologne’s reserves as part of the deal .
Oh, and the player himself would’ve pocketed up to €3.5m a year gross in the Premier League. Not bad for a teenager.
But Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler wasn’t having any of it. Shut the door. Refused to negotiate. Made it crystal clear El Mala was going NOWHERE in January .
Why? Because the kid’s been that good.
SEVEN GOALS, FRUSTRATION GROWING
Despite Cologne fighting relegation in the Bundesliga, El Mala has been a rare bright spark. Seven goals and two assists in 24 appearances this term, starting just 10 of them . His market value’s rocketed to €40m and he’s tied down until 2030 with NO release clause .
But here’s the thing, there’s tension bubbling under the surface.
The Krefeld born flyer has started just 10 of his 24 league outings. Used as a substitute in most games. And according to Sky, he’s increasingly unhappy with boss Lukas Kwasniok’s rotation .
Public comments, a lack of regular minutes, frustration mounting… sounds like a player ready for a new challenge.
BAYERN ENTER THE RACE
Step forward Bayern Munich.
The German giants have got El Mala top of their summer shopping list. Christian Falk’s made it clear, he’s “absolute priority” for the record champions following the exits of Thomas Muller, Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane .
Vincent Kompany’s side see him as the ideal understudy for Luis Diaz. Someone who can develop without demanding to start every week. A German kid with bags of potential who fits the squad profile perfectly .
But Bayern aren’t alone. Manchester City, PSG and Barcelona are all sniffing around . Brighton have got serious competition.
WHAT SHOULD EL MALA DO?
Here’s the thing. Bayern are Bayern. They’re challenging for the Champions League, sitting top of the Bundesliga, and could offer instant silverware.
But at 19, is that the RIGHT move?
Brighton have built a reputation as THE place for young talent. Kaoru Mitoma. Moises Caicedo. Alexis Mac Allister. The list goes on. The Amex is where players go to develop, shine, and then make that big money move to a European giant .
El Mala needs minutes. He needs to play. At Bayern, he’s backing up Diaz. At Brighton, he could be the main man on the wing within months.
Cologne want €40/50m minimum . Brighton have already shown they’re willing to pay. Bayern might have the pulling power, but the Seagulls have the pathway.
If the kid’s smart, he’ll choose development over glamour. For now.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Kessler insists El Mala’s staying put. “We deliberately tied Said to the club long term because we’re convinced of his development,” he said .
But if the player’s unhappy, if the relationship with Kwasniok sours further, and if Brighton or Bayern come back with another monster offer this summer…
Cologne might not have a choice.
The race is ON.
