Overview
- Borussia Dortmund submitted a formal offer for the 19-year-old that outlets variously reported as roughly €26m plus up to €16m in bonuses or €34m plus €6m, and Köln rejected the package as well below their asking price.
- Köln have insisted on a fee in the region of €50 million and privately registered irritation not only at the low sum but at what they describe as Dortmund's conduct toward the player.
- Said El Mala remains at 1. FC Köln, is training fully with the first team, is under contract through 2030, and comes off a breakout season with 13 goals and five assists in the Bundesliga.
- Sport Bild and other outlets reported on Friday that Dortmund were stepping back and did not plan to make an immediate new offer after Köln refused the bid.
- Other clubs including Brentford, Premier League sides and RB Leipzig have been linked and a future move could hinge on big sales elsewhere or a bidder willing to meet Köln's valuation.