Brighton Attempts to Sign Cologne’s Said El Mala with Rejected Offer

According to Sport Bild, Brighton & Hove Albion made a bid ranging from €25 million to €30 million, in addition to bonuses, for Said El Mala last week. This offer was rejected by the Bundesliga club, FC Cologne.

The Premier League side had shown interest in acquiring the German talent even before he made his debut in the Bundesliga. Tony Bloom, the club’s owner, was willing to invest €15 million to secure the young player after their initial bid of €10 million was declined.

In a statement made in December, El Mala affirmed his intention to stay with Cologne beyond the winter transfer window. “When you score a few goals in the Bundesliga, other clubs automatically start calling,” he told reporters. “That’s a nice confirmation of my performance, but I’m fully focused on FC.” When questioned about his future at the club, El Mala simply replied, “Yes.”

Although the proposed €30 million fee is tempting for Cologne, whose record sale was Anthony Modeste for €29 million during the 2018/19 season, managing director Thomas Kessler and his team carefully considered the offer before ultimately rejecting it.

While no specific internal price has been established, if El Mala continues to perform well for Cologne throughout the remainder of the season, he could emerge as a wildcard candidate for Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad, having already received a call-up to the German national team.

Additionally, reports indicate that Brighton was prepared to offer El Mala a salary of €15 million over the next five years.