Borussia Dortmund are reportedly preparing one final major push for 1. FC Köln star Said El Mala, with Sky Germany reporting that BVB intend to submit a new offer worth approximately €50m including achievable bonuses. The proposal is expected to arrive in Köln at the beginning of the coming week. Dortmund are thus prepared to significantly improve upon their most recent rejected offer and meet Köln’s basic demands.
According to Sky Germany’s Patrick Berger, BVB’s last proposal consisted of €37m guaranteed plus another €8m in bonuses. Köln rejected the €45m package and have continued to insist upon considerably stronger financial terms. The new offer is expected to reach approximately €50m in total, with the bonus structure designed in such a way that the maximum amount can realistically be achieved.
That figure is significant because Dortmund have internally established €50m as their absolute limit for El Mala while Köln have demanded a €50m transfer fee. Whether Köln will accept the bonus structure remains to be seen. The cathedral city club is thought to desire the €50m as a fixed transfer fee independent of performance incentives.
Dortmund refuse to abandon Said El Mala pursuit
BVB’s latest move represents another reversal in a transfer saga that has repeatedly appeared close to cooling down. After Köln rejected Dortmund’s opening proposal, Get German Football News reported in late July that BVB were initially not planning an immediate improved offer.
El Mala’s own position subsequently helped keep the transfer alive. The 19-year-old’s representatives clearly signalled his willingness to join Dortmund, though the German international has continued to behave professionally and has made no attempt to force his way out of Köln.
Dortmund then returned with an improved proposal. GGFN covered Köln’s rejection of BVB’s second offer, with Sky Germany now specifying the structure of that bid as €37m plus €8m in bonuses.
Kovac already speaks with El Mala
There appears to be broad support for the transfer throughout Dortmund’s sporting hierarchy. Berger reports that sporting director Nils-Ole Book and managing director Lars Ricken remain firmly behind the move. Managing director Carsten Cramer and head coach Niko Kovac are also said to support the proposed investment. Kovac has reportedly also already spoken personally with El Mala.
Dortmund’s determination is particularly notable given their other attacking business. BVB have already completed the signing of Konstantinos Karetsas and have continued examining alternatives capable of supplying pace and one-on-one quality following Karim Adeyemi’s departure.
Kicker recently linked Dortmund with PAOK attacker Giannis Konstantelias, while Köln’s El Mala has remained the club’s preferred option. El Mala appears to remain the absolute priority.
Jürgen Klopp reportedly speaks with El Mala
Another significant figure has now entered the saga. Berger reports that Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp has already spoken with El Mala and views the Köln youngster as an important part of the national team’s future. Köln’s Express newspaper further claims that Klopp has even advocated behind the scenes for El Mala to complete the Dortmund move.
El Mala produced 13 goals and five assists during his first full Bundesliga campaign and has rapidly developed into one of German football’s most valuable young attacking players. Köln therefore have little financial necessity to sell below their desired terms. Dortmund, meanwhile, appear equally determined not to exceed their own valuation.
The next offer will consequently determine whether the clubs can finally meet in the middle.
