Overview
- Kessler said on Sport1 that Köln has set no pain threshold and sees no reason to discuss a winter transfer, noting a sale would only be considered if it clearly improved the squad overall.
- Supervisory board member Lionell Souque disclosed that Brighton owner Tony Bloom phoned him directly in summer to pursue Said El Mala, and he referred Bloom back to the club’s sporting leadership.
- Köln rejected earlier offers and later extended El Mala’s deal through 2030, and the player has reportedly ruled out moving in the winter window.
- Interest from England persists, with some outlets reporting that Premier League clubs could table offers well above €30 million in January, which remains unconfirmed.
- El Mala left the Leverkusen derby with a muscle cramp, and both coach Lukas Kwasniok and Kessler described the issue as minor with expectations he will train and play next week.