GOAL reported that Brighton & Hove Albion remain interested in signing Said El Mala after a move did not happen in the summer. Brighton continue to monitor Said El Mala and his older brother Malek closely and regularly send scouts to Cologne.
Sky's position
According to Sky, Brighton & Hove Albion have not given up on signing Said El Mala and remain interested in a transfer. According to Sky, a winter move is not on the agenda, but that could change next summer.
Summer deal did not materialise
Brighton wanted to sign Said El Mala before the current season. Brighton reportedly planned a double deal that would also have brought in his older brother Malek El Mala, but it never materialised.
Alongside Brighton, Brentford FC, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund were particularly interested in a transfer for Said El Mala in the summer. 1. FC Köln demanded at least €50 million, and a transfer for Said El Mala fell through for several reasons before he extended his contract with Köln.
Contract and season form
Said El Mala's new contract with Köln runs until 30 June 2031 and reportedly has no release clause. He is an undisputed regular for Köln this season, with four goals and one assist in nine appearances across all competitions.
Germany debut
Said El Mala made his debut for the German national team in October. Jürgen Klopp gave Said El Mala his first minutes in a Germany shirt in the Nations League match against Serbia.
