Brentford submit offer for FC Köln winger Said El Mala | OneFootball

Brentford have submitted a formal bid for FC Köln winger Said El Mala, with talks yet to advance after the offer was lodged last week. According to Hounslow Herald, there has been no breakthrough between the clubs so far.

The Bees are targeting width after narrowly missing Europe. Keith Andrews' side finished top 10 in his first season as head coach, missing Conference League qualification on goal difference.

Loan winger Reiss Nelson will return to Arsenal when his deal ends, while Kevin Schade scored two goals in his final 18 appearances.

The 19-year-old rose quickly, spending last season on loan at Viktoria Köln in the third tier before returning to a newly promoted Köln side and delivering a breakout year with 13 goals and four assists.

A tall, physical left winger, his pace and directness stood out. He was released by Borussia Mönchengladbach as a teenager for being too slight, a contrast to his current profile.

There were bumps, including criticism of his defensive work and a mid-season dip that cost him his starting place, but such issues are common at his age.

He has been called into the national squad but is uncapped.

Brentford have already signed centre-back Jannik Schuster from Red Bull Salzburg for £17m and teenage midfielder Kaye Furo from Club Brugge in January. Their record spend is £42m on Dango Ouattara last summer, and the move for El Mala suggests further investment.

Source: Hounslow Herald