Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are reportedly monitoring FC Koln’s teenage sensation El Mala, with the club valuing the 19-year-old winger at over €35 million (£30m/$40m), according to Sky Sports.
Koln are keen to retain the young forward, who has quickly become one of the breakout talents in German football this season. The club have already rejected a €20 million (£17m/$23m) offer from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, underscoring their determination to keep hold of him.
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El Mala, who joined Koln from Viktoria Koln in 2024 and spent last season on loan with his former club, has impressed since stepping into the first team. After making five substitute appearances in the Bundesliga, he scored his first top-flight goal against Freiburg and followed it up with a match-winning strike in Koln’s 1–0 victory over Hoffenheim at the weekend.
His performances have not gone unnoticed within the club. Defender Joel Schmied praised the youngster’s maturity and impact, saying, “I told him before the game: ‘Get into your game with simple moves. You don’t have to prove to everyone right away that you’re the ultimate dribbler.’ And then he delivers a game so quickly. He’s doing incredibly well; now we have to make sure we keep him grounded.”
Head coach Lukas Kwasniok also lauded the teenager’s potential, suggesting that consistent performances could even earn him a national team call-up. “The only thing that helps you is working hard, staying humble, and demonstrating your qualities week after week,” Kwasniok said.
El Mala, who is reportedly eyeing Koln’s vacant number 10 shirt last worn by club legend Lukas Podolski, remains one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young prospects heading into the 2025–26 season.
