Brighton’s €25m bid for Said El-Mala revealed

Brighton & Hove Albion tabled a written offer worth €25–26 million guaranteed for FC Köln winger Said El-Mala, according to reports in Germany.

Sky Germany state the Seagulls were prepared to structure a deal rising towards €30m during the January window, including a loan-back arrangement for the remainder of the season. The proposal reportedly featured a 10% sell-on clause and wages of up to €3.5m gross per year for the 19-year-old.

Brighton’s interest in El-Mala dates back to last summer, and they remain keen to secure the Bundesliga breakout talent ahead of increased competition.

The January approach was not Brighton’s first attempt. They had previously explored a deal in the summer and returned with renewed intent during the winter market, even proposing a long-term contract package that would also involve his brother, Malek.

However, Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler is said to have rejected the proposal outright, refusing to enter negotiations. The German club consider El-Mala central to their fight against relegation and were unwilling to sanction a mid-season exit.

From Brighton’s perspective, the strategy reflects a familiar model: identify emerging talent early, offer long-term security and structure financial incentives with resale clauses. Having followed Brighton’s recruitment closely in recent years, this fits their established blueprint. However, it remains too early to determine whether persistence will translate into success.

Sky report that Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation and view El-Mala as a potential squad option behind Luis Díaz. Köln believe even more lucrative offers could materialise in the summer, particularly if Bayern firm up interest.

Internally, Köln reportedly informed the player he was not for sale in January to avoid destabilising the squad. A summer departure appears more realistic should suitable bids arrive.

El-Mala is said to be open to moving if his current situation under manager Lukas Kwasniok does not improve, with reports suggesting a strained relationship between player and coach.

Brighton are expected to revisit the deal in the summer window. Köln would prefer any sale to occur then rather than mid-season.

Much will depend on whether Bayern formalise their interest and how El-Mala’s relationship with his manager develops over the coming months. Increased competition could drive up valuation beyond January levels.

Will Brighton secure their summer target early, or does Bayern’s interest change the landscape?