Brighton identify Hoffenheim star as possible alternative to El Mala | OneFootball

Having failed to reach an agreement with 1. FC Köln for Said El Mala, Brighton & Hove Albion are now assessing the market for potential alternatives.

According to Sport Bild, the Premier League club have identified TSG Hoffenheim's Bazoumana Touré as a potential option and are said to have made an official enquiry for the 20-year-old in early May.

Brighton were reportedly prepared to offer around €35 million for El Mala, but the deal collapsed due to Köln’s €50 million valuation.

Touré, who has also been linked with Liverpool among others, would likely be available for a slightly lower fee, with reports suggesting around €40 million could be enough to persuade Hoffenheim to sell.

Touré joined Hoffenheim from Swedish side Hammarby IF for a reported €10 million fee in February 2025. 

Since then, he has made 44 appearances for the Sinsheim club, scoring five goals and providing 15 assists.