Overview
- The proposed package from Brentford was reported as roughly €50 million, made up of a €45 million guaranteed fee, up to €5 million in bonuses and a 15% sell-on clause.
- 1. FC Köln’s sporting director Thomas Kessler was reportedly ready to accept the offer and take it to the club’s approval bodies before the player’s side halted the deal.
- On Thursday, El Mala’s mother and agent, Sabrina, rejected Brentford’s approach saying the English club was not the right next step, and the club has since described the matter as closed for now.
- El Mala is under contract with Köln until 2030 with no reported release clause, which gives Köln leverage and leaves room for renewed negotiations with other interested Premier League clubs.
- The collapse matters for Köln’s summer planning because the fee would have been a club record and would have funded multiple transfers, while interest from clubs such as Brighton, Newcastle and Chelsea keeps the player’s market active.