Brentford have submitted an offer for Cologne attacker Said El Mala (19), according to a report from Bild.
The Premier League outfit have offered Cologne a reported €45m including bonuses (€40m fixed plus €5m in add-ons) for El Mala, who has scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances in his maiden campaign in Germany’s top flight.
While not giving too much information away, Cologne sporting director Thomas Kessler effectively confirmed that an offer had arrived, although he didn’t state from which club. “At least I’m open to discussions,” he told Kicker.
Axel Hesse reports that Cologne want at least €50m for El Mala, who, should he leave this summer, would instantly becoming the club’s biggest departure after Anthony Modeste (€29m), according to Transfermarkt’s figures.
Fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion also showed interest and at one point, it appeared that El Mala would be heading to the south coast for around €35m, although Kessler also confirmed that “there are many clubs that are considering him, not just in England.”
It’s clear that El Mala’s stock is high, and Cologne would likely welcome a bidding war for their prized asset.
