Brighton "pushing for final talks" to sign Köln starlet Said El Mala | OneFootball

Having shown interest in 1. FC Köln’s Saïd El Mala for some time, Brighton & Hove Albion are now said to be stepping up their efforts to get a deal over the line.

According to Sport Bild, Brighton are “pushing for final talks” to sign the 19-year-old, with the Premier League club having held several recent phone calls with Köln’s new squad planner, Tim Steidten.

The Billy Goats, however, are taking their time, with a clear internal stance on the transfer expected to be established during the current international break.

Managing director for sport Thomas Kessler and Steidten are tasked with defining El Mala’s exact valuation, deciding when the right moment for negotiations is and determining which club representatives should be approached first. The transfer fee, excluding bonuses, is not expected to exceed €35 million.

Why do Brighton have an advantage in the El Mala transfer race?

Other clubs, including Chelsea, are also reportedly monitoring the young winger, but Brighton hold an advantage as they have already received the green light for negotiations from the player’s mother, Sabrina El Mala.

Brighton are also believed to be the only club willing to sign both Saïd El Mala and his older brother Malek El Mala, who are both represented by their mother.

According to the report, Brighton have already made concrete contract offers to both brothers, who are under contract at Köln until 2030.