1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala gives go-ahead to join Brighton in the summer – €35m the likely fee | OneFootball

Bild reports that 1. FC Köln’s Said El Mala has given the go-ahead to join Premier League side Brighton in the summer. 

El Mala is managed by his parents, who have now given the green light for Said and his brother Malek to move to the south coast in the summer. 

It will now be down to the two clubs to agree on a fee for the 19-year-old. Brighton previously had an offer worth €30m rejected by Effzeh, but it is said that a fee of around €35m will be enough to get the deal finalised.

At Brighton, El Mala will earn €20m over five years (an annual salary of around €5m), which will also increase based on the appearances he makes.

Fabian Hürzeler’s side weren’t the only Premier League side interested in Said, with Newcastle United and Chelsea also interested, but the Seagulls were the only side to also want to sign his brother, Malek. 

El Mala’s breakout season at Köln:

This season has been the winger’s breakout year, having joined after spending last season on loan at 3. Liga side Viktoria Köln. In 26 Bundesliga games for Effzeh, El Mala has nine goals and three assists, with the club currently sitting 14th in the Bundesliga and battling relegation.

GGFN | Jack Meenan