Bundesliga News

Said El Mala's Valuation a Hurdle for Borussia Dortmund Transfer

July 11, 2026Pablo Navarro1 мин

Cologne's 19-year-old sensation, Said El Mala, has become a highly sought-after player following an impressive debut Bundesliga season where he contributed 13 goals and 5 assists. While Brighton and Brentford have already had their offers rejected, Liverpool has also entered the competition for the German attacker. Borussia Dortmund are now also showing keen interest.

However, according to the German publication Express, a primary obstacle to El Mala's potential transfer to Dortmund is the asking price. Cologne is reportedly demanding a minimum of €50 million, a sum that significantly surpasses Borussia Dortmund's record transfer expenditure of €35 million for Ousmane Dembélé from Rennes in 2016.

Furthermore, Express has indicated that El Mala might have already reached a preliminary agreement with Dortmund. The transfer could materialize either after the upcoming World Cup or in the summer of next year. There's also a possibility that Said's brother, Malek, could join Dortmund, potentially training with the senior squad or playing for Dortmund II in the Regionalliga West.

With Barcelona reportedly making a bid for Karim Adeyemi, Borussia Dortmund's interest in El Mala is anticipated to grow even stronger.