The Wednesday print edition of Germany’s Sport Bild tabloid reports that Manchester United and Tottenham have lodged concrete inquiries about 1. FC Köln starlet Said El Mala. The 19-year-old appears set to remain in the Bundesliga for the duration of the season, but the two Premier League outfits are prepared to start discussing a summer transfer. Both English clubs are interested in a purchase in the €30m to €40m range.
Brighton already went to great lengths this summer to acquire El Mala, reportedly tendering a €15m offer to Köln before El Mala had even kicked a ball in the German top flight. El Mala’s arrival on the Bundesliga scene has seen the teenager’s estimated market value rise from €3m to €18m over the last six months. If El Mala can continue along his current trajectory (six goals and three assists in 14 league appearances) his value is sure to keep skyrocketing.
Care to know more about Said El Mala?
Get German Football News has been extensively covering El Mala’s rise since the young phenom began to make waves this summer. There’s plenty of material on the “young dribbling artist”.
The links below provide access to more in-depth pieces covering El Mala’s work in the short time he’s gone from a 3. Liga professional to a German senior men’s national team call up.
— A general profile on El Mala on the occasion of his German national team call up.
— El Mala’s July contract extension with his Bundesliga club.
— El Mala’s pre-season and general prospects with Köln ahead of the campaign.
— El Mala’s initial rise with the Germany U21s.
— El Mala’s breakthrough for club in early October.
— Words from Köln head coach Lukas Kwasniok on how El Mala needs to refine his game.
— More words from Kwasniok after a poor league performance.
— El Mala’s reflections on accepting a “slight demotion” during the November international break.
