Pep Guardiola has been observed evaluating footage of a promising 19-year-old winger from the Bundesliga, leading Manchester City scouts to monitor his progress closely as he continues to shine on the field.
Manchester City’s Offensive Prowess
Currently, Manchester City boasts one of the most formidable attacks in the Premier League, having scored a remarkable total of 23 goals this season.
Haaland’s Contribution
However, a substantial portion of these goals—14, to be precise—has come from the star striker Erling Haaland. This raises concerns about the team’s offensive capabilities should he find himself sidelined or experience a dip in performance.
Potential Addition in El Mala
In response to this potential vulnerability, Guardiola has reportedly taken an interest in Said El Mala, a 19-year-old winger from Cologne, after reviewing multiple clips of his performances, as reported by Sky Germany.
Recent observations indicate that scouts from City have been present at several Cologne matches to take a closer look at El Mala’s skills.
Impressive Bundesliga Debut
El Mala has made significant advancements in his first season in the Bundesliga, having previously played in the German third division. So far, he has recorded four goals and two assists in ten league appearances, contributing to four victories for his team, scoring in three of those matches.
Recently, he received his first call-up to the German national team, where head coach Julian Nagelsmann noted that El Mala has made a strong impression.
Rising Star with High Value
The young winger is gaining attention not just from Manchester City but also from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. His current market value has reportedly surpassed €40 million (£35.3 million), with discussions for a contract extension anticipated in the winter transfer window.
El Mala is content at Cologne and seeks to continue his development. With the World Cup approaching, he may be inclined to remain with his current club to avoid jeopardizing his chances of selection for the tournament, despite not having played in senior international matches yet.
Future Prospects
Regardless of his future club path, El Mala’s statistics suggest he has already settled into a competitive environment and is poised for a significant breakthrough. His 22 attempts on goal this season place him among the top 10 in the Bundesliga, while he ranks seventh for successful dribbles—indicating his ability to compete with more seasoned players at such a young age.
Versatility and Competition
While it may be uncertain whether El Mala could secure a starting position at City given the presence of Jeremy Doku and numerous attacking options available to Guardiola, his adaptability to play on either flank and in attacking midfield roles adds to his desirability as a potential signing.
