Club Look For Woltemade Path For Newcastle United Target | OneFootball

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1. FC Koln are aiming to follow the ‘Nick Woltemade plan’ for in-demand attacker Said El Mala, who has been linked with Newcastle United.

The Krefeld-born attacking talent began his youth career with local club Linner SV and spent four years in Borussia Monchengladbach’s academy, further honing his skills.

El Mala played in the lower German league with Viktoria Koln and top-flight side 1. FC Koln signed him for a minimal fee after spotting potential.

The current season has been the teenager’s breakout season, as he has scored ten league goals while providing four assists in 27 Bundesliga games, catching the eye in the process.

The Germany Under-21 international has started only 13 games, but his quality on the ball and his ability to find the back of the net mean he is likely to be a hot topic when the summer transfer window opens.

Last summer, the Billy Goats extended El Mala’s deal until the summer of 2030, but they are well aware that they will not be able to keep hold of the hot prospect for too long.

A host of Premier League clubs are following the 19-year-old versatile attacker, with Newcastle amongst those widely linked, and the Bundesliga club have a plan they are looking to follow when it comes to selling El Mala.

According to German sports daily Kicker, 1. FC Koln will be patient and play the waiting game in order to get the best possible deal.

And it has been suggested that the Billy Goats are aiming to follow Stuttgart’s path when they sold Woltemade to Newcastle United for close to a £70m package, which was described as ‘insane’ by one former Germany star.

1. FC Koln are also hoping for El Mala’s potential participation in the summer World Cup, which could effectively increase his value.

The Bundesliga side only intend to play ball on a quick sale if an offer of over €50m is made.

Newcastle are in the running for the Germany youth international, who is also being chased by Chelsea and Brighton.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler wants the 19-year-old, but the Seagulls are not known for paying big transfer fees, and with interest from other Premier League clubs, the Billy Goats will hope for a bidding war for the teenager.

Newcastle look set to miss out on European football next season and it remains to be seen if the club hierarchy will be ready to splash significant money for the in-demand German in the upcoming summer.