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Said El Mala says 'yes' to Premier League transfer after 'strong' Chelsea bid
Tom Weber
- Updated: 18 Mar 2026 15:44 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Koln wonderkid Said El Mala has greenlit a summer transfer to the Premier League, but he will not join Chelsea despite the Blues' "strong bid" for his services.
The 19-year-old has been hitting the headlines in Germany almost daily since his breakout U21 European Championship campaign last summer. El Mala is enjoying a remarkable debut season in the Bundesliga, scoring nine goals and providing four assists.
Already off the back of his exploits at the Euros, Brighton made several offers for the tricky winger. However, his club Koln rebuffed the Seagulls' approaches because they knew he would increase his value significantly this season.
Current ETV
Said El Mala
F, M (L)
Koln
Said El Mala
F, M (L)
Koln
ETV Range
€20M - €24.5M
Since then, more suitors have emerged, with Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle among his admirers. The latter two were recently said to have made "strong bids" for the Germany international.
In January, Brighton again tried to convince Koln to sell, and again their efforts did not meet with success. However, the South Coast club's persistence looks increasingly likely to pay off.
El Mala says yes to Brighton move
According to BILD, El Mala's parents have signalled to Brighton that they are ready to hold talks over a summer move. The youngster recently dropped his long-time agent and is now represented by his family.
The tabloid emphasises that Koln have not yet been formally informed of this transfer green light by his parents, nor have Brighton made an improved offer for El Mala since their January approach.
However, it is evident, reports the outlet, that El Mala wants to leave Koln in the summer. Despite a contract until 2030, it is unlikely that Koln will be able to keep hold of him, especially if their poor results continue. They are currently four points clear of an automatic relegation spot.
Koln are dreaming of a fee in the region of €50 million, which would make El Mala Brighton's record signing. Whether the Seagulls are prepared to go that high is doubtful. A sum just over €40m is perhaps more likely.
El Mala's contract does not contain a release clause, so Koln technically hold all the cards. However, there is an acceptance that they will not force him to stay at the club if he does not want to. A more to the Premier League looks increasingly inevitable.
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