Said El Mala: Man United given clear transfer instruction to edge Spurs in race for Bundesliga prodigy | OneFootball

Manchester United, under INEOS, have been keen to bring on board some of the finest young talents. The hope is that, with these prodigies, United are assembling a super team capable of eventually restoring the club to its dominant era.

It is this very transfer policy that has seen the Red Devils linked with some of the brightest prospects across Europe.

Young talents on United’s radar

Cristian Orozco, Jeremy Monga and Said El Mala are among the names repeatedly surfacing in United’s gossip columns. As these links to young talents continue to gather pace, fresh attention has now turned towards FC Köln’s left‑wing sensation, El Mala.

Said El Mala on the rise

El Mala is one of the teenage sensations taking the German football scene by storm. The 19‑year‑old has already registered six goals and three assists in 14 Bundesliga appearances; these are impressive numbers, though his performances have arguably been even more striking.

The young German has tormented Köln’s opponents with his ability to cut inside from wide areas onto his favoured right foot, creating and scoring with equal menace. His quick acceleration, confident one‑on‑one skills, and composed finishing have made him a constant threat.

United’s keen pursuit

United are eager to add him to their ranks, with The Peoples Person relaying reports that the Red Devils are prepared to spend around €30–40 million to secure his services.

While that report noted Tottenham Hotspur as rivals for his signature, United may already have been handed a clue on how to win the race.

El Mala and his brother Malek: inseparable

Apparently, if United are to convince El Mala to join, they may need to complete a double swoop that also brings his brother Malek to M16.

Sky Sports Germany, discussing El Mala’s failed move to Borussia Dortmund, drops a massive hint on how United can win the race. They write:

“El Mala has now explained why he turned down BVB: Dortmund only wanted to sign him in 2024, not his brother Malek, who is one year older. ‘That settled it for me,’ El Mala said.”

Köln ultimately won the race, with scouts recognising the brothers’ bond and moving decisively.

The ball is in United’s court

Looking ahead to 2026, Tottenham Hotspur or United, whichever club wants El Mala most, may have to consider signing Malek too.

It could be a gamble, but with five goals in five games for Köln II, Malek is beginning to look a decent prospect in his own right.

If El Mala continues his resurgence, he and his brother could well make the leap to the Premier League in 2026. Together, they might just be the latest young talents ready to end up illuminating United’s bright future.

Feature image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social