Brighton & Hove Albion are ready to return for long-term target Said El Mala with a far larger bid in the January window, despite public insistence from the player and FC Köln that a winter transfer is “not an option”. According to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, the Seagulls remain determined to beat major European clubs to the winger’s signature after failing with a summer offer worth €12m plus €3m in bonuses and a 20% sell-on clause.
Tony Bloom is said to be driving the push personally. The Brighton owner has monitored El Mala since his breakthrough in Germany’s third tier and believes the 22-year-old’s soaring Bundesliga form justifies a renewed — and significantly higher — attempt. The German outlet states the new bid will reflect the player’s “considerably increased” market value and again include a sell-on clause.
Köln, though, are holding firm. The newly promoted side view El Mala as central to their survival hopes and have no intention of weakening the squad mid-season.
Köln stand their ground — publicly, at least
Vice-president Ulf Sobek denied suggestions of any pre-arranged deals for the winger, while Managing Director Philipp Türoff was emphatic:
“There are absolutely no plans and no reason to even consider selling the player during the winter transfer window. Staying in the league is the top priority, and we hope Said can help us achieve that.” — Philipp Türoff
El Mala has echoed the message, claiming only a “phenomenal offer” would prompt reconsideration — and the paper stresses Brighton’s upcoming bid still wouldn’t reach that level.
However, a meeting between the club, player and agent reportedly left “room for interpretation”. While a direct January sale has been ruled out, an agreement that sees El Mala bought now but loaned back until summer is not off the table. Brighton have executed similar deals before, a strategy that allows them to secure talent early while avoiding mid-season disruption for the selling club.
Why Brighton are pushing so hard
Having covered Brighton closely this season, it’s clear their recruitment strategy hinges on acting faster than Champions League-level competitors. El Mala’s numbers, profile and upside mirror the type of winger Bloom typically signs before their valuation skyrockets. Although some Bundesliga sources insist Köln will not soften, history shows that Brighton often find creative structures — especially multi-stage loans — to land targets others cannot.
A nuance worth noting: Brighton’s attack is already stacked with emerging talent, but they lack a left-sided creator with El Mala’s directness and ball-carrying range. His signing would fit long-term succession planning more than immediate squad need.
Key insights
- Brighton will submit a “significantly higher” January bid for Said El Mala.
- Köln insist the winger will not be sold mid-season.
- Player also says he plans to stay unless a “phenomenal offer” arrives.
- Brighton may try a buy-now, loan-back deal — a model they’ve used before.
- Tony Bloom has tracked El Mala for years and is determined to beat European rivals.
What’s Next?
Brighton return to Premier League action on Sunday, 7 December, hosting West Ham at the Amex Stadium. Despite the noise around the transfer, the club’s focus remains on maintaining momentum on the pitch, while recruitment staff continue negotiations behind the scenes. El Mala won’t be joining in January on a direct transfer, but Brighton’s upcoming offer — and the possibility of a structured deal — ensures this saga is far from over.
👉 Should Brighton push for a buy-now, loan-back deal to secure El Mala before Europe’s big clubs move in?
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