Transfer poker for Cologne talent
Surprising turnaround: El Mala’s move probably fell through
June 4, 2026 – 9:36 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Both clubs had already agreed on a transfer fee of 45 million euros – now the move has probably fallen through. The reason lies in the 19-year-old’s environment.
Saïd El Mala’s transfer to Brentford FC has apparently fallen through. Sky and “Bild” reported this unanimously on Thursday. Accordingly, the family of the 19-year-old offensive player from 1. FC Köln has canceled the English club.
Negotiations were reportedly already well advanced. Both clubs are said to have agreed on a fixed fee of 45 million euros. In addition, there would have been five million euros in easy-to-reach bonus payments and a resale share. For Cologne it would have been the biggest transfer in the club’s history.
What will happen next with El Mala remains to be seen. His contract in Cologne runs until 2030. In his first Bundesliga season he scored 13 goals and prepared five more. He was not nominated for the World Cup in North America by national coach Julian Nagelsmann.