1. FC Cologne
The bullet around Cologne’s top talent begins
07.10.2025 – 3:12 p.m.Reading time: 2 min.
Said El Mala is currently causing a sensation in the Bundesliga. The attacker of 1. FC Köln not only played in the hearts of FC fans with his appearances, but also aroused the interest of large clubs.
With his tight shot under the crossbar against SC Freiburg, El Mala scored his first Bundesliga goal. This was followed by a spectacular solo on the left side with a template for Isak Johannesson when playing against VfL Wolfsburg. And finally the decisive goal for the 1-0 win against TSG Hoffenheim-a dribbling with a conclusion through the legs of Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann. Since then, at the latest, the name Said el Mala has been known nationwide.
It is therefore not surprising that the first rumors for possible offers for the 19-year-old dribble artist appear during the beginning international break. Like “Sky“ reports, both FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund should have the offensive player on their notes long ago. Both clubs would have deposited with El Mala’s consultants to keep an eye on the young star of Cologne. FC should also be officially informed about the interest. If the teenager confirms its strong shape, this should only be the beginning of further desires.
An offer from England was already available in summer: Brighton & Hove Albion is said to have only offered ten, later even 15 million euros-at that time still for a player without a single Bundesliga minute. In the meantime, El Mala has collected three scorer points in six missions and is a German U21 international. His market value of three million euros in “transfermarkt.de” has long been significantly too low.
In view of the competition, those responsible for 1. FC Köln should not currently have any sleepless nights. Even with an offer of 30 million euros, the Bundesliga climber would not be weak. After all, El Mala had only extended his contract early until 2030 in July – without exit clause. Kingdom head Thomas Kessler should follow the development of her offensive talent accordingly.
A winter change is excluded anyway. The FC is planning firmly with El Mala and relies on the fact that the 19-year-old stays healthy and continues his way under coach Lukas Kwasniok. Even the player himself is not currently thinking of a change. The club had set a strong sign by extending the long -term with both Said and his brother Malek El Mala. The brothers came to FC in a double pack because Cologne was equally interested in both of them – a proof of trust that the family appreciates very much.
Meanwhile, El Mala’s development is reminiscent of Nick Woltemade. After just a strong season, the striker moved to England with twelve Bundesliga goals for VfB Stuttgart for 75 million euros. For comparison: Before that, Woltemade had only scored two goals in 41 games for Werder Bremen-a brand that El Mala has already exceeded after only six Bundesliga games. If the junior international stays on course, he could become the next major export of German football. Until then, FC Köln should be particularly pleased about every further dribbling and gate of the youngster.