Report: Liverpool set to battle Man City in the race to sign Bundesliga forward | OneFootball

Liverpool Step Up Monitoring of Bundesliga Sensation El Mala

Rising Confidence After Wirtz Success

Liverpool’s recruitment team find themselves revisiting familiar territory. Football Insider report that the club are tracking FC Koln’s Said El Mala, a 19 year old emerging as one of the standout performers in the Bundesliga this season. The situation has inevitably drawn comparisons with Liverpool’s bold and successful pursuit of Florian Wirtz last summer.

Liverpool’s move for Wirtz, described in the report as a moment that “shocked the world”, reshaped expectations around what Arne Slot and Richard Hughes are prepared to do in the market. The Premier League champions secured the playmaker on a five year contract, in a deal that could reach £116m. Their ability to persuade Wirtz, despite interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City, is now seen as a template rather than a one off.

El Mala’s Rapid Rise

Football Insider note that Said El Mala “is the breakout star of the German season thus far”, with four goals and two assists for Koln. His versatility stands out. Primarily a left sided attacker, he can also operate on the right or as an attacking midfielder, making him an ideal fit for the fluid structure Liverpool have been building under Slot.

The teenager’s international trajectory is rising just as quickly. El Mala recently progressed from Germany’s under 21 side to the senior squad, making the bench for a World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg. His acceleration has naturally attracted attention from across Europe, but it is the interest from England that appears most intense.

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Premier League Rivals in the Frame

“Man City are the latest Premier League giant to register a concrete interest in signing Koln starlet Said El Mala,” Football Insider report, adding that “Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea were keeping tabs on El Mala after his strong start to the campaign.”

Koln find themselves in a powerful negotiating position. El Mala is contracted until 2030, meaning any move next summer will likely demand a substantial figure. His two footed ability, personality and consistency at such a young age make him one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting long term prospects.

Liverpool’s Ambition Tested Once More

Inside the club, the belief remains that if Liverpool could beat City to Wirtz, “there is no reason to believe Richard Hughes and Liverpool can’t do it once more.” Those familiar with recruitment strategy say Slot’s vision plays a significant role in persuading young players. El Mala would be presented with a clear pathway, something Liverpool see as essential in competing financially with City and other elite clubs.

What remains certain is that Liverpool’s interest is not speculative. The groundwork has begun, the scouting reports continue to arrive and next summer’s plans are already taking shape.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will welcome links like this, especially after a turbulent run of form. Supporters have watched the team struggle for rhythm, creativity and confidence in recent weeks, so hearing that the club are targeting another high ceiling Bundesliga forward will feel like a reminder that long term planning remains intact. El Mala fits the profile that Liverpool have leaned toward for years, combining technical skill with a work ethic that aligns well with the club’s demands.

At the same time, fans know that beating Manchester City to a major target is never straightforward. The Wirtz deal was extraordinary, and while supporters trust Hughes and Slot to articulate a convincing project, they understand that finances and timing can shift quickly. Some will worry that City enter the scenario with greater leverage, especially as they have shown a willingness to escalate bids when a player truly excites them.

There is excitement, though, at the idea of Liverpool continuing to invest in young attackers who can grow into the spine of the next era. For many fans, El Mala represents the sort of forward who would give the team flexibility, unpredictability and long term value. If Liverpool genuinely push for him, supporters will want the club to be decisive, ambitious and early, just as they were with Wirtz.