FC Bayern are making long-term plans in the transfer market and Said El Mala could play a key role in this. The Munich club are looking to rejuvenate their attacking wing positions in the summer of 2026. The 19-year-old from 1. FC Köln is considered the absolute ideal solution, but it is already clear that a potential transfer will be anything but easy
There is an internal consensus at Säbener Straße as to what profile they are looking for: a young, dynamic winger who has Bundesliga experience, development potential and does not have to impose himself immediately as a regular player. While Lennart Karl, a highly talented home-grown talent, is already available on the right as a backup for Michael Olise, the aim is to build up competition for Luis Díaz on the left
This is exactly where Said El Mala comes into play. The 19-year-old fulfils almost all the criteria: pace, one-on-one strength, finishing quality – and above all the feeling that he can hold his own at the highest level. No wonder that BILD recently reported that El Mala is an „absolute priority“ for FC Bayern in the summer of 2026
Competition and price complicate the deal
However, the market situation is a major concern for Munich. El Mala is no longer an insider tip. Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United and FC Barcelona are all interested in the German international. Now, according to transfer insider Ekrem Konur, Real Madrid have also entered into the poker game. The Whites are planning a personnel shake-up on the wings from 2026 – El Mala would also fit in there
At the same time, FC Cologne are sending out a clear signal. According to Konur, the Effzeh are demanding a transfer fee of between 50 and 60 million euros. A sum that even FC Bayern cannot afford, especially as El Mala’s current market value is around 18 million euros and he has yet to play a full Bundesliga season as a top performer
Nevertheless, the move is logical for Cologne. El Mala has a long-term contract (2030), is extremely valuable in sporting terms and is attracting international interest. The more top clubs position themselves, the higher the price will be – a classic seller’s market
Bayern will stay tuned – but with a cool head
Munich are aware of the difficulties. El Mala remains a desired player, but FC Bayern will not act at any price. Max Eberl and Christoph Freund are following developments closely and know that a lot can change between now and the summer of 2026 – both in sporting and financial terms
But one thing is also clear: if Bayern want to remain internationally competitive on the wings in the coming decade, they need exactly this type of player. Said El Mala embodies this idea like hardly any other German youngster. Whether Munich are ultimately prepared to reach the 60 million mark will be one of the most exciting transfer questions of the coming months.