In the coming weeks, 1. FC Cologne wants to finally make it clear that they will stay in the Bundesliga. Youngster Said El Mala, whose open question about the future continues to be the dominant topic among the cathedral townspeople, should also help out.
Former Cologne coach Friedhelm Funkel followed the 19-year-old’s sporting development particularly closely during the current Bundesliga season. Said El Mala has played in all 31 games for 1. FC Köln so far and is clearly Effzeh’s most dangerous attacker with 16 points (eleven goals, five assists).
El Mala has long since aroused great interest at home and abroad. Nevertheless, old master Friedhelm Funkel still hopes that the Krefeld native will continue to play for 1. FC Köln. He is contractually bound to the club long-term until 2030.
“I don’t hope that there will be a transfer. And I mean that from the perspective of FC and El Mala. In my opinion, it would be best for both sides if he stayed in Cologne for another year and the club put together a career plan for him,” the 72-year-old told “Bild”.
Funkel hopes for a World Cup ticket for El Mala
The offensive player’s market value is currently estimated at around 35 million euros, and the Cologne team is said to be even looking at offers beyond the 50 million euro mark. According to consistent media reports, clubs from the Premier League in particular are monitoring the situation surrounding German-Lebanese very closely.
Funkel warned in the “Bild” against taking a step away from Cologne too early: “The boy is a very young player. He is good – really good. But you shouldn’t underestimate the situation.”
Meanwhile, Funkel is also hoping that Said El Mala will make the jump onto national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup bandwagon: “It remains a difficult decision for national coach Julian Nagelsmann. But with Serge Gnabry out, El Mala obviously has more to offer.”
