👀 Transfer drama forgotten already! El Mala back in scoring mood | OneFootball

It was by far the most exciting and biggest transfer saga within the Bundesliga: El Mala and his failed move to Borussia Dortmund, which ultimately did not happen because the clubs simply could not agree on the financial terms.

So it has been clear for some time now: Said El Mala is staying at FC Köln – the only thing changing is his shirt number. He now wears the prestigious No. 10. And in his first Bundesliga match with the number 10 on his back, he immediately proves that he more than deserves it.

📸 Lars Baron - 2026 Getty Images

Köln’s lifeline made it 1-1 for his team in the 51st minute. After a one-two with Johannesson, he danced past Hajdari in the box and struck from eight meters out – the ball took a deflection before ending up in the net.

After his goal, El Mala celebrated with the well-known “ice-in-the-veins” gesture.

Of course El Mala is the one to level it for Effzeh – who else? The transfer drama of the summer already seems long forgotten, and in Cologne they are happy that the youngster will be playing another season for the team.

Hoffenheim did retake the lead shortly afterward (67’), but Köln once again had an answer ready. Dallinga made it 2-2 (72’), and just ten minutes later he completed his brace. 3-2, game turned around!

El Mala, by the way, could no longer make an impact, as he had been substituted off. Maina came on for him (65’). 

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

📸 Lars Baron - 2026 Getty Images