Premier League instead of Bundesliga? Bayern threaten transfer failure with Said El Mala | OneFootball

He excites the Bundesliga, drives Cologne’s fans into ecstasy and attracts Europe’s heavyweights. Said El Mala is regarded as one of the hottest talents in German soccer – but his future seems to be clearer than many suspect

Said El Mala is one of those players who gives you the feeling that his breakthrough is unstoppable. The 19-year-old combines everything that characterizes modern wingers: pace, close ball control, courage in one-on-one situations and a remarkably composed finish. His six goals this season are more than just numbers – they are proof that El Mala can already decide games at Bundesliga level

In Cologne, the youngster has long been more than just a talent. He is a beacon of hope, a crowd favourite and the player who carries the Effzeh in sporting terms. The contractual situation is all the more valuable from the Rhinelander’s point of view. El Mala is tied until 2030 and there is no exit clause. The club has the upper hand – at least in theory

Premier League instead of Bundesliga?

photo: IMAGO

But this is exactly where the dilemma begins, as Sport BILD reports that El Mala has apparently decided on a clear career path internally. The tendency is not towards FC Bayern, but clearly towards the Premier League. A detail that is likely to be closely noted in Munich, as the attacking player is also considered a serious candidate for the wings of the future at Säbener Straße

According to the report, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are said to have already begun concrete talks with 1. FC Köln. This was not just about loose interest, but also about figures. Manchester United are said to have brought a transfer fee package in the region of 30 to 40 million euros into play – knowing full well that this sum will hardly be enough given the length of the contract and the competition

There is a simple reason for the early push from England. The Premier League clubs know that they are not alone. In addition to FC Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain and other European heavyweights are also keeping a close eye on the development of the German international. A race for El Mala is emerging – and the English clubs want to position themselves early

Cologne profit from the bidding, Bayern threatened with transfer failure

For FC Köln, this development is painful in sporting terms, but highly attractive in economic terms. The growing interest automatically increases the price. And it cannot be ruled out that other clubs such as Manchester City or Chelsea FC will enter the poker game as soon as El Mala confirms his strong form. The Premier League is known for showing no restraint in such cases

FC Bayern are under threat of a transfer bust with El Mala due to increasing competition and a possible bidding war. Munich are pursuing a clear transfer strategy, especially with regard to the transfer fee. The example of Nickt Woltemade from the summer of 2025 shows that the record champions are not prepared to pay moon prices for Bundesliga players.