Concern for Dortmund with El Mala's price set to rise at 1.FC Köln | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund risk missing out on Said El Mala completely this summer with the potential for his price tag to rise in the coming weeks.

As reported by BILD, the bosses at 1.FC Köln have internally agreed that as the transfer window progresses, El Mala's value goes up. 

It could get to a stage where even the supposed €50million will no longer be enough to lure El Mala away from the Cathedral City.

This is partly because Köln would find it more difficult to find a suitable replacement towards the end of the transfer window.

Furthermore, Dortmund would likely have to pay a higher price, as every club knows they have plenty of money available.

“It’s always a question of timing: if your coffers only fill up two days before the transfer deadline, it’s worthless at that moment.

"But we’re completely relaxed about it. Said [El Mala] is a player for 1.FC Köln and he feels very comfortable here.

“We feel just as comfortable with Said, so there’s absolutely no reason to talk about anything else at the moment,” said Köln squad planner Tim Steidten

Interestingly, El Mala was already close to a move to Dortmund in 2024, with Sport Bild, stating his medical had been scheduled.

BVB offered €150,000, while 1.FC Köln offered €200,000 more – two years later, the Black and Yellows have to raise several times that figure.