„Absolute priority“: This is Bayern’s top transfer target in summer 2026 | OneFootball

Said El Mala is the high-flyer of this Bundesliga season and has long been a player who has aroused desires throughout Europe. The 19-year-old from 1. FC Köln has played his way to the fore with six goals and three assists in 13 appearances, also at FC Bayern

It’s no real secret that Bayern have their eye on Said El Mala, and according to consistent reports, the record champions have already registered their interest with the player’s agent

According to BILD head of soccer Christian Falk, the youngster is at the top of Munich’s transfer list and El Mala is an „absolute priority“ in the summer transfer window

Following the departures of Thomas Müller, Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sané, the German record champions are exploring the market for reinforcements for the attacking flanks. According to Falk, several names are being examined, including Dario Osorio from FC Midtjylland, but Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln has „absolute priority“

Bayern want to keep the Krefeld native in the Bundesliga at all costs and convince the Effzeh of a transfer – an ambitious undertaking, as European heavyweights such as Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona are also said to be after the Cologne jewel

El Mala rules out winter transfer

photo: IMAGO

The youngster himself has been remarkably confident of late, categorically ruling out a winter transfer: „It’s normal when you’re a young player with a few scorers in the Bundesliga that several clubs come calling. I’m aware of that, but it doesn’t matter to me […] I’m concentrating on FC here – nothing more.“

At the same time, however, he made no secret of the fact that his long-term career plans go beyond Cologne: „Everyone wants to play in the Champions League and at the best club, to achieve the greatest thing they can.“ Words that should give Bayern hope – even if Cologne has an enormously strong negotiating position

Contract until 2030 – Cologne has the upper hand

El Mala is tied to FC Köln until 2030 and there is no exit clause. Anyone wanting to sign the shooting star will have to dig deep into their pockets. Cologne have said that they would only be willing to talk about a transfer fee of €40-50 million – the price is likely to rise further in view of the international competition

For Bayern, the speed of El Mala’s move is also closely linked to Serge Gnabry, whose contract expires in the summer of 2026 and is open to renewal. If the German international were to leave, the pressure to sign a new premium winger would be much greater. El Mala would fit this profile perfectly: strong dribbling, explosive, capable of development.