Brentford target Said El Mala still available after Borussia Dortmund’s €42m bid rejected

Borussia Dortmund have failed with their opening bid for Said El Mala, with FC Köln rejecting an offer worth up to €42 million as the race for one of Germany's brightest young talents intensifies.

The Bundesliga giants have joined the pursuit after Brentford previously agreed a package worth around €50 million, although that transfer ultimately collapsed before completion.

Köln remain determined to hold out for a higher fee as interest in the 19-year-old forward continues to grow.

Borussia Dortmund submitted an initial proposal worth a potential €42 million, but Köln rejected the bid immediately.

The offer reportedly consisted of €26 million upfront, €8 million in achievable bonuses, and a further €8 million in performance-related add-ons.

Köln believe the package falls well below the player's market value and have shown no willingness to reduce their asking price.

Brentford came close to signing El Mala earlier this summer after agreeing a package worth €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons, along with a future sell-on clause.

However, the Premier League club were unable to complete the transfer after the player's mother, who also acts as his principal adviser, declined to approve the move before Brentford's deadline expired.

That agreement has strengthened Köln's negotiating position, with the German club continuing to value El Mala at around €50 million.

Despite the ongoing transfer speculation, Köln manager René Wagner has praised El Mala's attitude throughout pre-season.

The teenager has remained fully committed in training and continues to demonstrate complete focus despite growing interest from several clubs.

Club officials insist the forward has given no indication that his attention has shifted away from Köln.

Sky Sport reports that El Mala is open to joining Borussia Dortmund should the two clubs eventually reach an agreement.

The Germany youth international remains under contract until 2030, with no release clause included in his current deal.

After contributing 13 goals and five assists in 36 appearances last season, El Mala is expected to remain one of the Bundesliga's most sought-after young attackers throughout the remainder of the transfer window.

Borussia Dortmund are expected to consider whether to improve their offer as negotiations continue. Brentford could also revive their interest, while Köln remain determined to keep Said El Mala unless their valuation is met before the transfer window closes.