Overview
- Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler confirmed that the club received a roughly €50 million offer from Brentford but the transfer collapsed because Saïd El Mala declined the move.
- Reports describe the proposed fee as about €45 million up front with €5 million in achievable add-ons and a reported 15% sell-on clause in Köln's favour.
- El Mala, 19, is under contract with Köln until 2030 after a breakout season in which he started 34 Bundesliga games and scored 13 goals with five assists.
- Media outlets say Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea have renewed interest, with the player's mother and adviser reportedly preferring a move that keeps the family nearby or sends him to London.
- Köln expected the sale to fund summer recruitment and now faces disrupted planning while clubs and the player's camp weigh next steps and potential higher offers.