Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly among a group of ten prominent clubs interested in acquiring FC Koln winger Said El Mala.
German media outlet Sport1 has revealed that clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint-Germain have reached out to El Mala’s representatives to explore his interest in transferring. Additionally, at least four other unnamed top-tier European teams have made inquiries with the player’s agent.
El Mala’s impressive displays for Koln have made a significant impact on scouts throughout Europe, initiating a competitive pursuit for his signature.
Key Details on Said El Mala’s Transfer
- Notable clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich are expected to contend for El Mala’s acquisition.
- Koln’s manager, Lukas Kwasniok, has acknowledged that the club will need to sell El Mala soon.
- The young player has recorded three goals and one assist in his first eight Bundesliga matches.
El Mala is currently enjoying an outstanding breakout season in Germany and is emerging as one of the nation’s most promising young players.
Kwasniok anticipates that El Mala will soon surpass Koln’s capacity to retain him and hopes for a lucrative transfer when the opportunity arises.
This is El Mala’s debut season with Koln after joining in July 2024, having spent the previous season on loan, and he is thriving in his new environment.
Is El Mala Germany’s Next Star?
As a forward primarily operating from the left wing but also capable of playing on the right or as an attacking midfielder, El Mala is gaining attention for his exceptional goal-scoring ability.
He often cuts inside onto his dominant right foot to either attempt a curled shot towards the far corner or skillfully navigate through multiple defenders to assist a teammate.
Previously, German newspaper Bild reported that El Mala might come with a price tag of €50-60 million (approximately £52 million or $70 million) for any interested party next summer.
Bundesliga’s official site has characterized El Mala as an “explosive” winger, drawing parallels with former Bayern star Kingsley Coman.
Despite being taller than the average winger at 6 feet 2 inches, he successfully utilizes his speed and agility to maneuver past opponents with ease.
El Mala’s rapid ascent at Koln in recent months is noteworthy — his astonishing goals have captured the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, showcasing talent that is “impossible to ignore”.
The teenager has already represented Germany’s U21 side four times and aims for a senior national team call-up should his remarkable form continue.
A significant transfer to one of the clubs mentioned earlier would greatly enhance El Mala’s prospects of playing for Germany at the highest levels.
Does Chelsea Really Need El Mala?
Chelsea revamped their left-wing options over the last summer, bringing in Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens.
The Blues orchestrated these acquisitions after deeming Raheem Sterling unnecessary, while Mykhailo Mudryk awaits the outcome of a potential ban following a failed drug test.
As a result, El Mala would face stiff competition from Garnacho and Gittens for game time if he chose to join Chelsea.
He could potentially take Tyrique George’s place in the Chelsea lineup, as the English player is contemplating a transfer to secure regular playing time elsewhere.
While El Mala indeed represents a player with considerable promise, coach Enzo Maresca might contend that he does not require further players in the left-wing position.
However, Chelsea’s decision-makers are continually on the lookout for the best young talents available to enhance their roster, and El Mala undoubtedly fits that criterion.
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