Together with brother Malek 

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Said El Mala has been one of the standout newcomers at 1. FC Köln and in the Bundesliga this season. However, it appears the 19-year-old striker will not be staying with the Cologne side for much longer. According to reports in Bild and Sport Bild, his parents, who recently took over the management of their sons’ careers (including that of Said’s brother Malek), have given Brighton & Hove Albion their approval for a transfer. The Seagulls’ last attempt to sign him in the winter was unsuccessful, despite a an offer of around €30 million. It seems the second attempt will be successful this time—the Premier League club has reportedly resumed negotiations and wants to finalise a deal quickly.

Köln’s new director of squad planning, Tim Steidten, is said to be playing a key role in the negotiations, as his past at West Ham United means he is familiar with English clubs’ practices. It is reported that Brighton are prepared to “significantly increase” their offer. According to the report, the transfer fee could ultimately settle at a fixed €35 million plus bonus payments, with a share for Köln in the event of a future resale also conceivable.

The player is said to be in principle agreement with the terms offered. The attacking gem stands to earn around €20 million in wages, including special payments, over the next five years. Brighton is also considered the only suitor keen to sign his brother Malek, whilst Chelsea and Newcastle United, among others, are said to be focusing exclusively on Said.

Said El Mala on Brighton’s radar even before his breakthrough in Cologne

Said El Mala’s market value is estimated at €40 million ahead of the upcoming Bundesliga update. This season, he has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 28 matches across all competitions. Until recently, he was represented by the agency “Footfeel”. It was reported as early as the beginning of February that Said El Mala had been considering a move and had reportedly communicated these thoughts to 1. FC Köln.

Brighton are said to have been prepared to pay a €15 million transfer fee for the Krefeld-born player even before El Mala’s breakthrough last summer. Köln’s supervisory board chairman, Lionel Souque, provided insights into the curious attempt to poach him from Sussex at the end of last year. “Although he hadn’t yet played a professional match above the third division, an English club had already done everything to get him to join,” the head of FC sponsor Rewe told the OMR Podcast in December. “Through a friend at the carnival, the club owner had my mobile number, called me and tried to see if he had a chance through me.”

At that point, FC had already put a stop to the Seagulls’ courtship via sporting director Thomas Kessler. Brighton owner Tony Bloom then personally tried again, via the intermediary Souquet, to push through his interests. “I told him: ‘I’m glad we’re talking, but I’m a fruit and vegetable seller, you’re apparently a poker player – negotiations between us won’t work out.’ He didn’t find that very funny,” reported Souquet.

El Mala set to become 1. FC Köln’s new record transfer

The Bundesliga club’s record transfer fee to date is held by Anthony Modeste, who joined TJ Tianhai in July 2018 for €29 million. This sum is set to be significantly surpassed should El Mala move. Brighton has already spent €35 million or more on a new signing three times in the club’s history. Unlike Said, Malek El Mala played for FC’s second team. Like his brother, the centre-forward has a contract in Cologne until 2030.