Said El Mala in action for Koln in 2025

Brighton offer Said El Mala 5x salary as Koln resist transfer

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Apr 16, 2026, 1:29 pm
0

Image: IMAGO / DeFodi Images

Brighton have stepped up their pursuit of Said El Mala with a major financial offer, but resistance from Koln suggests this transfer saga is far from straightforward.

The 19-year-old forward remains a long-term target for the Premier League side, who are now putting significant money on the table in an attempt to change the situation.

Said El Mala Brighton offer highlights growing transfer push

Brighton are reportedly offering El Mala a salary worth up to five times his current deal, with figures reaching between €4m and €5.2m per year depending on performance.

Over the length of a proposed five-year contract, that would see the youngster earn more than €30m, a substantial increase on his current terms in Germany.

From the recruitment patterns we’ve followed at Brighton, this kind of early investment in emerging talent is consistent with their long-term strategy.

koln stance becomes increasingly firm

Despite the financial lure, Koln are showing no willingness to give in easily.

Club officials have publicly pushed back against the idea of a sale, emphasising both the player’s long-term contract and the development environment they can offer.

“We’d be pretty stupid to simply let such a fantastic player leave prematurely.” — Koln president Jörn Stobbe

That stance reflects a club under no immediate pressure to sell, particularly given El Mala’s contract runs until 2030.

Player focus remains on current season

El Mala and his camp have also indicated that their priority is finishing the season strongly rather than engaging in transfer talks.

However, the scale of Brighton’s offer inevitably adds pressure to the situation, especially as interest continues to build.

Having followed similar negotiations, financial packages of this level often shift the conversation, even if initial resistance is strong. However, it remains too early to say whether that will be the case here.

Possible compromise could emerge

One potential solution being discussed is a deal that includes an immediate loan back to Koln.

Brighton have used similar structures in the past, securing players early while allowing them to continue developing in familiar surroundings.

Such an approach could satisfy both parties, though it would depend on whether Koln are open to that type of agreement.

Key Insights

  • Brighton have offered Said El Mala up to five times his current salary
  • The proposed deal could exceed €30m over five years
  • Koln are strongly resisting a sale
  • The player is currently focused on finishing the season
  • A loan-back deal could be a possible compromise

What’s next for El Mala?

Negotiations are expected to continue behind the scenes, with Brighton likely to maintain pressure as the summer window approaches.

Koln’s position remains firm for now, but the situation could evolve depending on offers and the player’s stance.

0 Comments

First read message

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football Place