Brighton and Hove Albion currently lead the race for Bundesliga prodigy Said El Mala. The 19-year-old has impressed at relegation-threatened FC Koln and has a number of suitors heading into the end of the season.
El Mala is expected to cost around £50 million, as Brighton had bids for £26 million rejected during the January transfer window. The Seagulls have targeted the German winger since last summer, and may have the edge in the race.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Chelsea are all interested, as well as Manchester City who are hunting for a potential Bernardo Silva replacement.
So, who is El Mala and what is all the fuss about?
Embed from Getty ImagesEl Mala is a left winger currently playing for Bundesliga outfit FC Koln. He was recently called up to the German national team by Julian Nagelsmann, but is yet to make his senior debut.
Last season. El Mala impressed on loan at German third tier side Viktoria Koln, scoring 13 goals in 32 appearances. He doesn’t have your typical winger stature, in fact he’s over six foot tall, making him a great aerial threat.
El Mala provides a great counter-attacking threat as he is very direct and explosive.
Inevitably, due to his age, there are some weaknesses in El Mala’s game than need addressing. His off-the-ball movement and positioning needs improvement as well as his first touch.
And whilst he is very good running with the ball, he isn’t as comfortable passing in tight areas. He’s still a very raw talent but that is exactly why a move to Brighton could be the perfect next step in his career.
Koln are currently 14th in the Bundesliga, just one point clear of the relegation play-off place, so they’ll be unable to hold onto El Mala for much longer.
BILD Rheinland revelaed that El Mala has recently sacked his agent in order to help force a move at the end of the season. He has followed Florian Wirtz who did a similar thing before his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool.
Brighton are willing to meet the £50 million asking price, but Bayern Munich will have a huge say in where El Mala’s future lies. According to The Football Insider, the Bundesliga giants have an agreement in place with Koln that will see them get first refusal on a deal to sign El Mala, meaning they automatically have a right to counter any offers that come in.
Brighton won’t spend above their means, but are reportedly able to offer El Mala £58,000 per week. Also, Brighton are willing to also sign El Mala’s older brother, Malek, who also plays for Koln.
This unique circumstance proved an issue for Borussia Dortmund in the past, who failed to sign Said as they refused to sign Malek as well.
This breakthrough campaign will no doubt lead to a move at the end of the season, with the South Coast of England the most likely destination.
El Mala still has a long way to go in terms of his development, but a move to the Albion appears to be a win-win for both the player and the club long term.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Martin
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