Brighton push final bid for El Mala as Köln delay decision

Said El Mala's Brighton transfer talks are entering a decisive phase, with the Premier League club preparing what is expected to be their final offer for the Köln youngster.

Brighton have been pursuing the 19-year-old for several months and are now pushing to conclude a deal during the international break. According to reports in Germany, negotiations have intensified, with multiple contacts made between the two clubs in recent days.

With other teams monitoring the situation, Brighton are now looking to use their early groundwork to secure an agreement.

Brighton are expected to present a final bid worth up to €35 million, including bonuses, as they attempt to reach an agreement with Köln.

The Seagulls have already made several approaches over the past nine months and are now aiming to accelerate talks. A face-to-face meeting with Köln officials is reportedly being planned during the international break to move negotiations forward.

From recent transfer dealings we’ve covered, Brighton often act decisively once they identify a priority target, and this situation appears to follow a similar pattern.

One key factor working in Brighton’s favour is their relationship with the player’s representatives. Said El Mala and his brother Malek are now represented by their parents, with their mother already giving Brighton permission to negotiate.

Importantly, Brighton have made offers for both brothers, which could prove decisive. The two players are understood to prefer staying together, while other interested clubs are currently focused only on Said.

Chelsea are among the clubs tracking the situation, but Brighton’s dual approach places them in a stronger position at this stage.

Despite Brighton’s push, Köln are taking a measured approach before committing to any deal.

The club have recently undergone managerial changes, and their leadership team is still assessing the situation. Sporting director Thomas Kessler and squad planner Tim Steidten are working to define a clear valuation and strategy before entering formal negotiations.

This delay means that while Brighton are ready to act, the final outcome will depend on Köln’s internal decision-making during the international break.

However, it remains too early to confirm whether Brighton’s final offer will meet the German club’s expectations.

Brighton’s interest aligns with their established recruitment strategy of targeting young, high-potential players.

El Mala, at 19, represents a long-term investment, with room for development both technically and physically. The club’s willingness to pursue both brothers also reflects a broader approach to player integration and development.

Having followed Brighton’s recruitment closely in recent seasons, this move would be consistent with their focus on building future value rather than short-term solutions.

Brighton are expected to push for a meeting with Köln during the international break, where their final offer will be presented. The outcome of those discussions will likely determine whether a deal can be completed quickly.

Köln, meanwhile, will finalise their internal stance before entering negotiations, including setting a minimum acceptable price. If the clubs can align on valuation, an agreement could follow shortly after.