Said El Mala: Brighton make key decision in pursuit of United target | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion’s rising interest in Said El Mala could spell trouble for Manchester United. The Red Devils are enjoying a spectacular resurgence under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who took charge in January as temporary replacement for former head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Premier League giants had struggled to convince under the Portuguese, but have turned over a new leaf under the Englishman. United have won six of their seven games under Carrick so far and are now third in the league table after 28 games.

The Red Devils are now preparing for an eventful summer, when they are expected to sign a suitable replacement for Casemiro, who will leave at the end of the season as a free agent. However, the English giants are also eyeing attacking reinforcements, despite investing a small fortune in their frontline last year.

United are looking for a new fast and skilful winger, preferably a long-term replacement for Marcus Rashford, who appears likely to make his loan stay at Barcelona permanent. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils have identified Koln prodigy El Mala as a possible target.

Bundesliga’s rising star

El Mala spent his formative years at several clubs in Germany, before joining Viktoria Koln. He was signed by FC Koln in 2024 and loaned back for the rest of the season.

The German returned to the RheinEnergieStadion last summer and has been a revelation so far. He has registered eight goals and four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions, most of which were from the bench.

Said El Mala Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Despite playing mostly as a substitute, the 19 year old is the club’s leading goalscorer this season, highlighting his immense potential. A pacy forward with a gifted left foot and an eye for goal, El Mala is exactly what United are looking for in the transfer market, although securing his signature may not be easy.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person named Brighton as the frontrunners in the race and revealed that the Seagulls have already submitted an offer for the young forward in January. An update on the situation has now emerged that will cause worry behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

Brighton preparing fresh offer

According to TEAMtalk, Brighton are preparing to submit a fresh offer for El Mala after their previous proposals were turned down. The report states: “Brighton lead the pursuit, having submitted multiple bids (including a rejected €30million / £26.2m / $35.1m package in the winter). Interestingly, they are exploring a family deal by targeting his brother Malek from Koln’s reserves.”

“Sources suggest Brighton are preparing fresh offers with five-year contracts, viewing El Mala as a key addition. The winger is very, very keen on the Premier League, with Brighton seen as an attractive destination due to their track record with young talent.”

The report also names Bayern Munich, Liverpool and United as interested parties, but adds that none of the European giants have initiated talks for the youngster. It is also stated that Koln are likely to hold out for a €60 million offer to let go of their prized asset, who is under contract until 2030.

Although Bayern cannot be ruled out just yet, the teenager is keen to test himself at a higher level, preferably in the Premier League, which could work to the advantage for his Premier League suitors.

Final Thoughts

Brighton have an impressive ability to pick up raw talent before eventually selling them at a huge profit. The Seagulls are likely to follow that strategy with El Mala. While United could be tempted to beat them in their own game, they have to move quickly if they want to win this race.

Feature image Alexander Hassenstein via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social