El-Mala poker heats up: Bayern plot clever transfer move | OneFootball

FC Bayern is closely monitoring one of Germany's most sought-after talents. Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln is on the radar of numerous top clubs, including Manchester City and Manchester United. However, the German record champion does not want to watch passively and has already secured a strategic matching right with the Cologne club, according to the BILD podcast "Bayern Insider".

As BILD football chief Christian Falk reports, the interest from England is already very concrete: "Manchester City is interested in Said El Mala – I heard this from a very good source," said Falk in the podcast.

Manchester United is also said to have the 19-year-old offensive player on their radar, but according to Falk, City is currently considered the favorite in the race for the Cologne jewel.

FC Bayern, on the other hand, is observing the situation calmly. As Tobi Altschäffl explains, the Munich club has secured itself in Cologne: "Bayern has already informed Cologne: If a club makes contact, please let us know immediately. It's like a gentleman's agreement – a verbal matching right."

With this agreement, the Munich club can react in case of an official offer to Cologne – without prematurely entering into an expensive bidding war.

El Mala: The New Offensive Jewel of the Bundesliga

Photo: IMAGO/DeFodi Images

Said El Mala is considered one of Germany's greatest offensive talents. The U21 national player has attracted attention this season with dynamism, courage, and creativity – and his style of play is reminiscent of Jamal Musiala or Florian Wirtz.

The 19-year-old has everything modern top clubs are looking for: dribbling skills, speed, creativity, and a sense for dangerous spaces. For 1. FC Köln, El Mala is much more than just a youth player – he is their most valuable jewel.

Reportedly, the newly promoted club is calling for a transfer fee of 50 to 60 million euros, should a move in the summer of 2026 even be considered. A transfer in the winter is considered out of the question, as Sky reports.

Bayern Remains Strategic – No Bidding War

At FC Bayern, they are aware of the player's quality but are deliberately patient. Internally, El Mala is seen as a player for the future, not an immediate solution.

Coach Vincent Kompany is said to have had the offensive player on his list for some time because he perfectly fits the profile required by the Munich club: young, technically strong, capable of development, and with a clear offensive drive. "He is highly regarded, but Bayern will not rush things," summarizes Falk.

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