How Brighton's €30 Million Offer for Said El Mala Was Rejected by FC Köln

Brighton's latest €30 million offer for Said El Mala was rejected, which is higher than their previous bids.
By Newsroom | Football Transfers, Europe |

Brighton is actively trying to sign Said El Mala, a 19-year-old winger from 1.FC Köln. Reports indicate that Brighton has made multiple offers, with the latest one reportedly around €30 million, which FC Köln has rejected. There is also an indication that Brighton is interested in Malek El Mala, Said's older brother. The club is pushing for a quick decision as other teams are also showing interest.

Context of Transfer Interest

Reports about Brighton's pursuit of Said El Mala have surfaced over several months.

Brighton plotting to lure both Said and Malek El Mala from 1.FC Köln - 1

  • Early Interest: In December 2025, FC Köln supervisory board member Lionel Souque spoke about Brighton's attempts to sign Said El Mala during the previous summer. At that time, El Mala had committed to staying with Köln.

  • Winter Transfer Window: As the winter transfer window approached, Brighton reportedly submitted an offer for Said El Mala. This offer, along with one for his brother Malek, was rejected by FC Köln. The club cited the timing and the proposed fee as reasons for rejection.

  • Escalating Offers: By January 2026, Brighton had made a "substantial" offer, estimated between €25-26 million, which also included a 10% sell-on clause and a proposed salary for the player. This offer was also turned down.

  • Recent Developments: More recently, Brighton has reportedly made a €30 million offer, which was again rejected. FC Köln's stance suggests they might consider a sale if a valuation of €40 million is met. Brighton is reportedly pushing for a swift resolution, possibly to gain an advantage over competing clubs.

Said El Mala's Situation at FC Köln

Said El Mala's potential move appears to be linked to his playing time at 1.FC Köln.

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  • Limited Game Time: Sources suggest that El Mala feels he is not receiving the "desired and promised game time." He has started in nine out of 22 Bundesliga games this season.

  • Player Frustration: This lack of consistent minutes is reportedly causing frustration for the 19-year-old winger, making a future at the German club seem "extremely undesirable."

  • Club's Stance on Development: FC Köln officials, such as director Thomas Kessler, have emphasized El Mala's positive progress and significant contributions to the team's season. While not outright dismissing future transfer interest, Kessler has focused on the player's development on the pitch.

Brighton's Transfer Strategy

Brighton's approach suggests a determined effort to secure Said El Mala.

Brighton plotting to lure both Said and Malek El Mala from 1.FC Köln - 2

  • Multiple Offers: Brighton has reportedly made at least three official offers for Said El Mala, indicating persistent interest.

  • Inclusion of Brother: In a notable move, Brighton reportedly offered to sign Malek El Mala, Said's older brother, as part of the deal. This offer was rejected by FC Köln, who aimed to avoid disrupting their squad during a relegation battle.

  • Push for Quick Decision: The club is reportedly "giving the gas in the fight" for El Mala, pushing for a quick decision due to increasing competition from other suitors.

FC Köln's Position and Valuation

FC Köln has maintained a firm stance regarding transfer negotiations for Said El Mala.

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  • Rejections of Offers: The club has rejected several offers from Brighton, deeming the proposed fees too low.

  • Valuation: FC Köln is understood to be open to sanctioning a "club record departure" if Brighton meets their €40 million valuation for El Mala.

  • Focus on Development: Despite the transfer speculation, club officials have highlighted Said El Mala's positive development and importance to the team's current season.

Brotherly Transfer Interest

The possibility of both El Mala brothers moving to Brighton has been mentioned.

Brighton plotting to lure both Said and Malek El Mala from 1.FC Köln - 3

  • Malek El Mala's Involvement: Brighton is also reportedly interested in Malek El Mala, Said's 20-year-old brother, who plays for Köln's reserve side.

  • Rejection of Brother's Offer: An offer for Malek was also rejected during the winter transfer window. FC Köln's director Kessler reportedly refused to negotiate on signing both brothers to maintain squad stability.

Expert Analysis and Club Statements

Statements from FC Köln officials provide insight into the situation.

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  • Thomas Kessler's Remarks: FC Köln director Thomas Kessler stated, "As a rule, I do not comment on speculation like that in detail. What matters to us is that Said has made very positive progress in a short time and has contributed significantly to our season so far with his performances."

  • Lionel Souque's Comments: Supervisory board member Lionel Souque indicated that both he and managing director Philipp Türoff have made it clear that Said El Mala is free to leave if he wishes, despite his commitment to staying in Köln.

Conclusion and Implications

Brighton's pursuit of Said El Mala and his brother Malek is a developing situation. Brighton has made substantial offers for Said, which FC Köln has rejected, setting a valuation that has not yet been met. El Mala's reported frustration with his playing time at Köln appears to be a key factor in his openness to a move. The club's strong interest in both brothers, coupled with Brighton's persistent efforts and the reported interest from other clubs, suggests that this transfer saga may continue as the summer window approaches. FC Köln's decision will likely depend on whether Brighton can meet their valuation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did FC Köln reject Brighton's €30 million offer for Said El Mala?
FC Köln rejected the €30 million offer because they believe the player is worth €40 million. They also want to keep him for their relegation battle and are focused on his development.
Q: What is Brighton's latest offer for Said El Mala?
Brighton's most recent offer was reported to be around €30 million. They have made multiple offers since December 2025, with previous bids also being rejected.
Q: Is Brighton also trying to sign Said El Mala's brother, Malek El Mala?
Yes, Brighton also showed interest in signing Malek El Mala, Said's older brother, as part of a deal. FC Köln rejected this offer too, wanting to keep their squad stable.
Q: Why does Said El Mala want to leave FC Köln?
Said El Mala reportedly feels he is not getting enough playing time at FC Köln, which is causing him frustration. He has started in nine out of 22 league games this season.
Q: What does FC Köln want for Said El Mala?
FC Köln has set a valuation of €40 million for Said El Mala. They are open to selling him if this price is met, which would be a club record sale.
Q: What did FC Köln officials say about the transfer?
FC Köln director Thomas Kessler said that Said El Mala is developing well and contributing to the team. He did not comment directly on the transfer speculation but highlighted the player's importance.