Bayern watch out! ManCity enter the transfer poker for Said El Mala | OneFootball

Said El Mala is one of the most exciting discoveries of the current Bundesliga season – and FC Bayern has long been one of his admirers. But the competition is not sleeping: Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and other top international clubs are increasing the pressure in the transfer poker.

At just 19 years of age, Said El Mala is playing his way into the limelight week after week. Four goals, two assists and several outstanding games have transformed the Cologne attacking gem from talent to Bundesliga shooting star in record time. At 1. FC Köln, he is not only a crowd favourite, but has also become one of the most important attacking players – and thus an object of desire for many top clubs.

As reported by Sky, FC Bayern are also keeping a close eye on El Mala, with sporting director Max Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund having been following his development closely for months. The 19-year-old is seen by the record champions as a potential future solution for the attack – a player who combines pace, dribbling, technique and finishing power.

Guardiola takes a close look – City intensify scouting

photo: IMAGO/DeFodi Images

The fact that El Mala has long been an international topic is shown above all by Manchester City’s interest. According to Sky, Pep Guardiola is said to have personally seen several video analyses and is having the youngster „closely observed“. Scouts from the Citizens have recently been on site several times at Cologne matches.

For El Mala, this is an accolade: Guardiola is considered one of the most demanding coaches in the world – a player rarely makes it into his focus unless he has exceptional potential.

In addition to Bayern and Man City, Borussia Dortmund is also involved in the poker game. BVB is known for bringing in young attacking players early on and developing them further.

High transfer fee as a hurdle – Cologne plans talks in winter

However, a transfer will be anything but easy. 1. FC Köln has a comfortable negotiating position with El Mala: His contract runs until 2030, without an exit clause. According to Sky, the cathedral city club is already asking for over 40 million euros.

Talks between the player and the club are planned for the winter, but El Mala himself remains relaxed. The youngster feels „very comfortable“ in Cologne, according to those close to the club, and wants to take his development steps in peace.

But one thing is clear: if El Mala maintains this level, the inquiries will not diminish – and the transfer poker for one of the DFB’s biggest talents will continue to gather pace.