Brentford suspect Brighton twist after Said El Mala transfer collapse

Brentford reportedly believe they were unexpectedly cut out of the race for Cologne youngster Said El Mala after agreeing a deal worth €50 million, with club officials now suspecting Brighton & Hove Albion could yet revive their long-standing interest.

The Bees thought they had secured one of Germany's brightest young attacking talents after reaching an agreement with Cologne and receiving positive signals from the player.

Instead, the transfer collapsed at the final stage, leaving Brentford questioning what changed behind the scenes.

According to Sport BILD, Brentford believed they had completed all the major steps required to sign El Mala.

The Premier League club had agreed to pay Cologne's €50 million asking price and were also prepared to offer the 19-year-old a salary worth up to €5 million per season.

The report claims El Mala had even given head coach Keith Andrews assurances over the move.

However, the transfer was unexpectedly cancelled before completion after the player's agent — his mother, Sabrina El Mala — reportedly withdrew from the agreement.

That sudden change has left Brentford puzzled.

The report states Brentford believe there could be another reason behind the dramatic turnaround.

According to Sport BILD, officials at the club suspect Brighton could eventually return for El Mala after failing to sign him last summer.

The Seagulls had shown serious interest previously but decided against matching Cologne's valuation at the time.

Brentford reportedly fear the failed move may have been used to encourage Brighton into making a stronger offer.

However, there is currently no evidence that Brighton have submitted a fresh bid.

Brighton has consistently targeted elite young talent before their market value rises even further. That makes continued interest in El Mala believable, but at this stage there are no reports suggesting Brighton have reopened formal negotiations. It is therefore important to distinguish Brentford's suspicions from confirmed transfer activity.

For now, Cologne are planning for the winger to remain at the club next season.

El Mala is currently training individually ahead of pre-season after an impressive breakthrough campaign in the Bundesliga.

Despite continued transfer speculation, no club has yet followed Brentford's failed attempt with another formal proposal.

Unless that changes, Cologne expect the teenager to continue his development in Germany.

Brentford may decide whether to revisit negotiations later in the transfer window, while Brighton's next move will be closely watched if their long-standing interest remains genuine. Until another offer arrives, Cologne appear increasingly confident that El Mala will still be part of their squad when the Bundesliga season begins.

Could Brentford still convince Said El Mala to change his mind before the transfer window closes?