BVB boss Kovac sounds alarm over El Mala: “Not for silly money” | OneFootball

After the friendly against Arsenal, Niko Kovac is putting the brakes on transfers. The BVB coach is urging financial caution in the negotiations over Said El Mala.

Borussia Dortmund are continuing to work on a possible signing of Said El Mala. But while BVB apparently would already be willing to dig deep into their pockets in the pursuit of the 1. FC Köln attacking player, head coach Niko Kovac is calling for financial restraint. Sporting managing director Lars Ricken also made it clear that Dortmund do not want to pay any price.

After the 3-2 win in the friendly against Arsenal, Kovac spoke in general terms about the current situation on the transfer market. “We will not jump to any hasty conclusions. We have a few good ideas,” the BVB coach explained. At the same time, he pointed out how difficult it currently is to sign suitable players on reasonable terms.

He said this also applies to financially powerful clubs. “It is difficult even for these big clubs to find the players — for proper money, not for too much money,” said Kovac, adding with regard to his own club: “So we at BVB also have to be a little careful.” The coach did not mention El Mala by name. The 19-year-old is still under contract with 1. FC Köln until 2030 and reportedly does not have a release clause.

BVB battling for El Mala: Ricken outlines clear transfer strategy

Köln are said to be demanding at least €50 million for a sale. Dortmund have been trying to sign the winger for quite some time. Ricken also stressed that BVB pay close attention to the financial framework when it comes to possible new signings. “I think we really fight for every euro,” said the sporting managing director. He cited Konstantinos Karetsas as an example, whose signing only came about after months of negotiations.

Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images

According to Ricken, Dortmund do have financial room to maneuver. Savings, especially in squad costs, have ensured that the club can react on the transfer market. Nevertheless, every deal must make sense both sporting-wise and financially.

If no agreement with Köln is reached over El Mala, BVB believe they are prepared. “We still have lots of ideas,” Ricken emphasized. Dortmund therefore do not want to let themselves be put under pressure. After all, the decision-makers still have time until the end of the transfer window on September 1 to look for the right solution for the attack.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.