El-Mala poker: Will Bayern repeat their Franck Ribery move? | OneFootball

FC Bayern might have a decisive trump card up their sleeve in the bidding war for Said El Mala. The super talent from 1. FC Köln is being pursued across Europe, but the Munich team could score with a special trick – one that already worked with Franck Ribéry.

The 19-year-old winger is the Bundesliga's breakout star, drawing attention with his spectacular style of play. Hardly any defender can stop El Mala one-on-one; his dribbling and dynamism remind many observers of the great wingers. Since his dream goal from 40 meters against TSG Hoffenheim, the exceptional Köln player has been in the spotlight across Europe.

Kompany praises El Mala: "He has that second acceleration"

In Munich, they are also closely following his development. Before the DFB-Pokal match between Bayern and Köln, FCB coach Vincent Kompany explicitly praised the youngster: "He has that first acceleration, then another second in the same action – that surprises many defenders," said Kompany at the pre-match press conference.

El Mala, currently among the best U21 players in Germany, fits perfectly into the Munich team's profile. For years, the record champions have pursued the philosophy of binding the best German talents to the club long-term.

Family factors: Bayern recalls the Ribéry trick

What makes FC Bayern particularly interesting in the transfer poker: The club has repeatedly proven in the past that it sensitively addresses the emotional and family needs of its stars – especially when it comes to desired players.

A prominent example is Franck Ribéry. To make the then-superstar completely happy, FC Bayern brought his younger brother Steeven Ribéry into the youth team in 2014. The plan: family in Munich, a feel-good atmosphere for the star. The model worked – Ribéry stayed for many years, became a legend, and often spoke later about how important this gesture was to him.

A similar story could now repeat itself. Said El Mala is also closely connected with his older brother Malek. The 20-year-old currently plays as a center forward in the second team of 1. FC Köln. It was Malek who once rebuilt Said after a tough time at Borussia Mönchengladbach when the now 19-year-old was dropped by several clubs at the age of 14.

Brother as the key to the transfer?

Photo: IMAGO/Jan Huebner

As reported by tz, the family component was already a central theme in 2024 when Borussia Dortmund wanted to sign the young Köln player. BVB offered a solution but apparently failed because Said El Mala insisted on a joint perspective with his brother.

1. FC Köln met this wish – and both brothers received contracts. Now it stands: Whoever wants to sign Said El Mala should also offer a perspective for Malek. This is precisely where FC Bayern could play to their special strength.

Looking at the successful Ribéry example and the club's family philosophy, Munich could be the perfect place for the breakout star – both athletically and personally.

It is considered an open secret that Bayern is in the race. Besides the Munich team, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to have shown interest. For the record champions, the DFB-Pokal match against Köln could now be the ideal opportunity to convince El Mala live – and to score with the right mix of sporting perspective and family care.

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