El Mala or Sancho? BVB set out clear transfer plan | OneFootball

Following the impending signing of Konstantinos Karetsas, Borussia Dortmund already have their next transfer target in sight. Their clear priority on Said El Mala also has direct implications for the Jadon Sancho situation.

Borussia Dortmund have set a clear priority in the transfer market: BVB are determined to sign Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln this summer. While the Black and Yellows continue to pursue the 19-year-old attacking player, a return for Jadon Sancho is increasingly fading into the background.

According to information from Ruhr Nachrichten, El Mala is internally regarded as the preferred solution for the attack. Those in charge believe the winger can bring fresh impetus to Dortmund’s attack. His one-on-one ability and pace in particular make him a player who could make the difference. At the same time, the club’s decision-makers are aware that the youngster still has room for development, especially off the ball. Under coach Niko Kovac, however, he is expected to take the next step precisely in that area.

So far, however, Borussia Dortmund have encountered resistance in their pursuit of El Mala. Even an initial offer from Dortmund failed to convince Köln. For weeks, around €50 million has been mentioned as a guideline for a possible transfer. Köln are in a comfortable position, as El Mala is still under a long-term contract with the club until 2030.

BVB plan: El Mala ahead of Jadon Sancho

The clear focus on El Mala also has implications for the Jadon Sancho situation. A return for the Englishman, which has been discussed repeatedly in recent months, is reportedly becoming increasingly less important at BVB, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.

Photo: IMAGO

In the view of Dortmund’s decision-makers, it is questionable whether the 26-year-old can once again reach the level that made him one of the Bundesliga’s best attacking players during his first spell in Dortmund. However, the matter is not completely off the table yet. Sancho is still available on a free transfer and could become financially attractive if he were willing to accept a significant pay cut.

Since free agents can still be signed even after the transfer window closes, there is theoretically even time until the end of January. At the moment, however, much suggests that Borussia Dortmund are concentrating all their efforts on signing Said El Mala.

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