Does he stay or does he go? The open question about Said El Mala’s future concerns 1. FC Köln. Now club legend Lukas Podolski has taken a stand.
In his first professional season for 1. FC Köln, El Mala became the top goalscorer and fan favorite. The 19-year-old contributed 13 goals on the way to staying in the Bundesliga.
El Mala is said to have aroused concrete interest from Brentford FC. The Premier League club was reportedly prepared to put around 50 million euros on the table for the left winger. But according to consistent media reports, the players have now canceled the club from West London.
“In my opinion it wasn’t the right club for him anyway,” reacted FC legend Podolski in an interview with “Sport Bild”.
When asked whether the step into the top English league would be the right one for El Mala, the 2014 world champion replied: “He has to feel the Premier League, he has to be ready, even in his head. He doesn’t have to look left and right, I’ve never done that either.”
“Everyone needs money”
There are currently no hot leads at El Mala. In the event of a transfer, 1. FC Köln could collect a hefty sum.
“FC has been playing against relegation for a long time. If you can then sell players for this sum, then you can invest the sum in four or five players, or you can invest in the Geißbockheim. Everyone needs money. We as private individuals, clubs, companies, simply everyone. And it would be a lie if 1. FC Köln said we don’t need that,” said Podolski about the poker around the youngster.
El Mala is contractually bound to 1. FC Köln until 2030. According to reports, there is no exit clause. The Rhinelanders are therefore in a good negotiating position should a new offer be received soon.