Said El Mala, a 19-year-old sensation, has quickly become a sought-after prospect after his impressive debut Bundesliga season with FC Cologne. In the 2025/26 campaign, he netted 13 goals and provided five assists in 34 league appearances, marking a significant contribution in the club’s top-flight return. His standout performances have not only attracted interest from the Premier League but have also earned him his first call-up to the German national team.

While Brighton & Hove Albion were initially leading the charge to acquire El Mala, their previous attempts to sign the young attacker were unsuccessful. FC Cologne has placed a valuation of approximately €50 million on the 19-year-old. Furthermore, a potential move to Brentford was vetoed by El Mala and his family, creating an opening for other prominent European clubs to join the race for his signature.

Reports from German publication Bild suggest that Borussia Dortmund are considering a proposal that includes €35 million alongside two loan deals, one of which involves Almugera Kabar (20). These loan agreements would also feature purchase options, but FC Cologne remains firm on their valuation of the player.

However, a recent report from Ben Jacobs, as picked up by GEISSBLOG, indicates that Liverpool have also placed Said El Mala on their shortlist. The Reds are understood to view him as a potential alternative should their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande prove unsuccessful, suggesting he could be a target for Andoni Iraola’s side.

El Mala has since concluded his vacation in Greece and has commenced his fitness training. According to GEISSBLOG, there are currently no ongoing discussions with the player’s representatives, as no concrete offers have been tabled.

English Translation:

Liverpool Join Race to Sign Cologne’s Said El Mala

Said El Mala (19) scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 34 Bundesliga outings for Cologne in 2025/26, the German’s first season in top-flight football. The teenager’s performances have attracted interest from the Premier League and also earned him a maiden call-up to the German national team.

Brighton were leading the race to sign El Mala but saw several approaches rebuffed, with Cologne valuing the 19-year-old at around €50m. Additionally, El Mala and his family vetoed a move to Brentford, which has paved the way for Europe’s top clubs to enter the race to sign the teenager.

Bild report that Borussia Dortmund are toying with the idea of offering €35m plus two loan deals – one being Almugera Kabar (20), which also include purchase options, but Cologne are standing firm on their valuation.

However, GEISSBLOG have picked up Ben Jacobs’ report that Liverpool have added El Mala to their shortlist. Should their pursuit of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande hit a roadblock, El Mala is seen as an alternative for Andoni Iraola’s side.

El Mala has since returned from his vacation in Greece and has started fitness training while, per GEISSBLOG, there is no reason for further discussions with the player’s representatives as there are no offers on the table.