A new dynamic could emerge in the race for Cologne talent Said El Mala. A personnel decision in the player’s environment is now causing movement in the transfer poker
FC Bayern have been keeping a close eye on the development of Said El Mala for months. The 19-year-old attacking player from 1. FC Köln is considered one of the most interesting talents in the Bundesliga and is apparently on the radar of several top European clubs
As BILD head of soccer Christian Falk reports, there has now been an important change in the player’s environment: El Mala has parted company with his previous advisors from the agency Footfeel ISM
His mother Sabrina El Mala is currently conducting the talks and negotiations on the player’s behalf. This new constellation could have a significant impact on the transfer poker in the coming months
Premier League clubs push for transfer
In addition to FC Bayern, Brighton & Hove Albion in particular are considered to be serious suitors, with the Premier League club currently said to have a good chance of acquiring the attacking player
According to the report, Brighton are trying to put together a particularly attractive package, with the English club planning to sign not only Said El Mala, but also his older brother Malek El Mala
Brighton are also said to be prepared to pay the young attacker a salary of around €3.5 million per year. Manchester City are also keeping a close eye on the development of the talented player and could also become involved in the summer
Bayern has a special right of first refusal
Despite the strong competition, FC Bayern has an important advantage. According to Falk, the Munich club has an agreement with 1. FC Köln
Should another club make an official bid for El Mala, Bayern would have a right of first refusal and could enter the transfer market
However, the German record champions are planning a different model to Brighton. While the English club would also like to sign the player’s brother, Bayern are focusing exclusively on Said El Mala
The 19-year-old mainly plays on the right flank, but has also been deployed as a center forward on several occasions this season
El Mala has made a total of eleven appearances and 14 substitute appearances in the Bundesliga so far, scoring eight goals and providing three assists.