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Man Utd make OFFICIAL contact over transfer for 'one in a million' wonderkid
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 17 Dec 2025 13:36 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Manchester United are reported to have made formal contact to sign one of Europe’s breakout wonderkids in the hopes that they can beat their rivals to his transfer.
United are looking to continue their transition under Ruben Amorim after spending more than €250 million on players during the summer, with a desire to sign younger players that suit the manager’s system.
Although the signing of two elite midfielders is expected to be United’s biggest priority of 2026, the club have explored deals to sign top talent in other areas, such as in attack.
One player who has regularly been linked to United has been Said El Mala after the 19-year-old’s impressive form for Koln in the Bundesliga this season, with one analyst suggesting that a move to Old Trafford would be the youngster’s ‘most sensible’ transfer.
Current ETV
Said El Mala
F, M (L)
Koln
Said El Mala
F, M (L)
Koln
ETV Range
€19.9M - €24.3M
El Mala is said to see his future in the Premier League and German outlet BILD report that United, along with Tottenham, have enquired to Koln about their willingness to sell the forward, while also offering an estimate of a transfer fee.
It is claimed that the Premier League duo suggested fees in the region of €30-40m, which they would be willing to pay, although it is unlikely that Koln would sanction the sale of their star man for that price.
El Mala pricetag set to grow after breakout campaign
El Mala only made his top flight debut this season but the teenager has thoroughly impressed with six goals and two assists from just six starts in the Bundesliga.
The German’s form has attracted the attention of teams such as Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Barcelona and a big move is anticipated for El Mala in 2026.
Onlookers have described El Mala as a ‘one in a million’ player and Koln are aware of his growing reputation, with the Bundesliga side in a strong position to demand a big fee for his services.
El Mala’s contract does not expire until 2030 and his deal does not contain a release clause, while Koln are already considering offering him fresh terms with an increased wage to keep him satisfied.
However, having already been called up to Germany’s senior team in November, El Mala’s pedigree could continue to grow if he is named in the squad for next summer’s World Cup, meaning that United could be forced to splash out far more than they anticipate to sign Europe’s latest wonderkid.
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