Revaluation by 22 million
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As part of the Bundesliga update, Cologne’s high-flyer Said El Mala became the most valuable FC player since the start of the market values on Transfermarkt in 2004. Against this background, sports director Thomas Kessler and the 19-year-old winger, who passes Lukas Podolski, Anthony Modeste and Jonas Hector in the internal club ranking, commented exclusively on the rapid development.
In line with his performance, El Mala’s market value curve has also risen steeply in the past twelve months – in December 2024, the youngster, then still wearing the jersey of third division club Viktoria Köln, was worth 1 million euros. 14 Bundesliga appearances, nine scorers and a first call-up to the national team later, the Krefeld native is one of the select circle of the most valuable German professionals.
“Of course it’s cool – and a great appreciation. At the same time, I can assess and classify it very realistically. I train hard every day, give my all in the games, just like my teammates. Our team is always my top priority, to win games and make our fans and my family happy. The market value of our fans should actually be a thousand times what I have. That’s why this market value is an award for the entire team. Our full focus is now on the home game against Union. We will give everything to go into the break with a win “Go,” El Mala told Transfermarkt exclusively about his new market value on Friday.
Kessler added: “We are very pleased about Said’s sporting development. Despite the attention, he remains extremely focused, works with high intensity in every training session and is very willing to learn. This is reflected in his performances in the Bundesliga as well as in his nomination for the U21 and the invitation to the senior national team. At the same time, his development is far from complete – we are all the more pleased to be able to continue to support him with us.”
How important El Mala is for Cologne is also shown by his team’s share of goals. The offensive talent has nine scorers after 14 match days, meaning the Krefeld native was directly involved in almost 41 percent of FC’s goals. In the Bundesliga comparison, only Haris Tabakovic (50% goal participation) and Harry Kane (41.2%) have an even higher value. “It is now well known that Said can make the difference. What is important is that he has the will to improve. And he has,” Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok said.
El Mala signed a long-term contract in the cathedral city until 2030 in the summer. Even before his first Bundesliga appearance, the Premier League club Brighton made an offer worth millions for his services, but was rebuffed with his strange advertising. While the Seagulls reportedly want to make a new attempt in the winter, according to a report, other English clubs have approached FC. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are said to have inquired about their willingness to change and their transfer fee expectations. According to “Sport Bild”, the English would be willing to pay 30 million to 40 million euros.
Should the newcomer collect an amount of this magnitude, El Mala would become a record exit. This is currently Anthony Modeste (37) with 29 million euros. In addition, so much money has never been spent on a German U20 player. The youngster is also being traded by FC Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain, among others. His former club Viktoria Köln would receive ten percent of the sale in the event of a transfer.
El Mala recently ruled out a winter transfer. It is normal these days for a young player to arouse interest after several goals. “I notice it, but it doesn’t affect me. It’s a nice recognition for the performance, but I’m fully concentrating on FC.” Effzeh managing director Philipp Türoff had previously pointed out that he was not necessarily dependent on short-term millions in income for the club’s most valuable player.