Saïd El Mala confirms 1. FC Köln stay amid interest from Europe’s biggest clubs

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Saïd El Mala (19) has featured in every Bundesliga game for 1. FC Köln this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists, as the dazzling winger continues to make strides in Germany’s top flight.

Before a ball had even been kicked this season, Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion were preparing a €15m bid for the German youth international after seeing their opening €10m offer rebuffed.

But now, El Mala confirms that he will remain in Köln beyond the winter transfer window.

“When you score a few goals in the Bundesliga, other clubs automatically start calling,” El Mala told reporters. “That’s a nice confirmation for my performance, but I’m fully focused on FC.”

When asked whether he will remain at the club beyond, El Mala replied with a simple, “Yes.”

Twelve Bundesliga games, eight goal contributions and a call up to Julian Nagelsmann’s German national team, it’s certainly been a season to remember for the youngster.

“Maybe I’ll find the time during the winter break to really process it all,” added the 19-year-old.”

Since his shot to stardom, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Manchester City are among the club that have shown interest, according to a report by FussballTransfers.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder