Southampton rivalled Brighton in summer transfer chase for top-flight attacker - Will Still was prepared to pay "big money" | OneFootball

Southampton had shown an interest in Koln attacker Said El Mala in the summer window, along with Brighton.

Southampton and Brighton were prepared to pay ‘big money’ to sign FC Koln attacker Said El Mala in the summer transfer window, but the player remained with the German side.

The 19-year-old spent last year on loan with Viktoria Koln in the third division, and he was very impressive, scoring 13 goals for the side, which prompted Koln to give him a chance in the first-team this season.

And, whilst it’s early days, it’s a decision that has paid off, as El Mala has enjoyed a terrific start to life in the Bundesliga, scoring twice and registering one assist in the opening six games.

Southampton and Brighton have shown an interest in Said El Mala

It seems El Mala’s talent has already put him on the radar of clubs across Europe, as journalist Patrick Berger revealed that Southampton and Brighton were tracking the teenager in the recent window.

He explains that the two English clubs were ‘offering big money’ to sign El Mala, but, for whatever reason, a deal wasn’t agreed, and he goes on to add that Koln are very pleased with how the forward is progressing as they view him as someone with huge potential.

Southampton did target the German market in the summer window, as they secured Joshua Quarshie from Hoffenheim, Leo Scienza from Heidenheim, and Damion Downs actually signed from Koln.

The Saints, who are aiming for promotion back to the Premier League this season, already have a plethora of forward options at their disposal, both up top and in wide areas. That, coupled with El Mala's electric start to the season, means that Southampton may now struggle to complete a deal — if they even intend on doing so after signing Scienza - with Koln sure to be even less willing to sanction a sale.

Southampton are right to target talented youngsters who can develop

Of course, the immediate aim for Southampton is to win promotion back to the Premier League, and to do that they need a balanced squad.

But, in general, they are right to target high-quality young players who can deliver on the pitch and increase in value, which El Mala would have done.

Obviously, this wouldn’t have been a straightforward deal to do given Brighton’s interest, but the prospect of regular first-team football in the Championship may have appealed to the player at this stage of his career.

It remains to be seen whether Southampton revisit a move for El Mala in the future, but his start to the season with Koln would indicate that the ship has sailed for the south coast side as he may be on the radar of some bigger clubs across the continent.

So, it’s a shame for Saints, but these things happen in football, and he may be a more realistic option if they win promotion to the Premier League, which is the target for Will Still.