Bundesliga club name their asking price for 19-year-old Barcelona target – report | OneFootball

Barcelona’s recruitment plans for the future have once again placed the club at the centre of a competitive European transfer battle. 

Over the past few weeks, it has become clear that the Catalan giants have developed a strong interest in 19-year-old winger Said El Mala, a player widely viewed as one of the most exciting young attacking talents.

However, what initially appeared to be a promising opportunity has quickly turned into a complex and crowded race. 

Manchester City have already made their admiration known, and the situation has become even more delicate with the emergence of a new rival. 

Furthermore, Real Madrid have also taken notice of El Mala’s rapid rise and his eye-catching performances.

Not a cheap player

This growing list of suitors has naturally strengthened FC Koln’s position. According to a report from Fichajes, the German club are fully convinced they are nurturing a future star and have no intention of selling cheaply. 

Said El Mala is wanted by several top teams. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Internally, Koln see El Mala as a rare talent, someone whose potential goes far beyond short-term form. That belief has already been reflected in their recent decisions.

The Bundesliga side reportedly rejected a formal €20 million offer from Brighton and Hove Albion, making it clear that such figures fall well short of their expectations. 

This is because the club has placed a valuation of around €60 million on the winger, a number designed to both protect their asset and test the seriousness of Europe’s biggest clubs.

From Barcelona’s perspective, the interest is rooted in sporting logic because El Mala’s profile aligns perfectly with the attacking direction the coaching staff wants to reinforce. 

Although Barça have recently added depth to their attack, there remains uncertainty surrounding the futures of several key players. 

That uncertainty has elevated the German teenager into a priority target rather than a speculative option.