Why Brighton remain determined to sign Said El Mala from Cologne | OneFootball

Brighton remain determined to sign Said El Mala from Cologne after two January bids were rejected amid the Bundesliga club’s relegation fight.

Brighton’s first offer for the 19-year-old was £24 million, the second £27 million plus a 10 percent sell-on and the inclusion of brother Malek El Mala from Cologne II. Cologne are five points above 16th and around 14/1 to go down. Sky Germany reports that a third proposal, covering both brothers and five-year contracts, was lodged last week, with Brighton aiming to tie up a 2026-27 move before expected summer interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler said: “As a rule, I do not comment on speculation like that in detail”, in an interview with Express.de.

“For us, the focus is on Said being an important part of our sporting concept, and we expect that he will continue his path with FC Koln.”

El Mala has eight goals, placing him among the top five under-21 scorers in Europe’s top five leagues, and he averages a goal every 146 minutes. Many of his contributions have come as a substitute, and head coach Lukas Kwasniok has said he is not starting more because he does not do enough defensively.

He blends quick feet and sharp decision-making, and at over six foot one he is expected to handle the Premier League’s physicality. With Yankuba Minteh still out of favour more than one month after returning from a dead leg, Brighton have a clear need on the right. Whether Cologne accept before Bayern or Manchester United step in remains to be seen.

Source: WeAreBrighton.com