Chelsea FC may reportedly reduce their pursuit of highly rated youngster Said El Mala if the club fails to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The 19-year-old winger has attracted attention after an impressive breakout season with 1. FC Köln,, where he scored 12 goals and provided four assists in his debut Bundesliga campaign.
El Mala’s performances also earned him a senior call-up to the Germany national football team during World Cup qualifying matches last year.
A number of European clubs are reportedly monitoring the youngster, with Brighton & Hove Albion FC seen as one of the strongest contenders for his signature. Brighton’s interest is said to have started last summer.
Reports in Germany suggest uncertainty surrounding the player’s future increased after he and his brother, Malek, parted ways with their former representatives, with their parents now managing his affairs.
Brighton are believed to have paused talks after Köln reportedly placed a €50 million valuation on the winger, while the Premier League club were considering an offer closer to €35 million.
It was also reported that Chelsea explored the possibility of hijacking the deal before potentially loaning El Mala back to Köln for another season. However, the club’s transfer plans may depend on whether they secure Champions League qualification.
Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler addressed the growing interest in the player while emphasizing the club’s long-term plans for his development.
“What matters to us is that Said has made very positive progress in a short time and has contributed significantly to our season so far with his performances,” Kessler said. “He brings quality to the pitch week after week and has earned this attention through hard work.”
“We deliberately tied Said to the club on a long term basis before the season because we are convinced of his development and have a clear plan for him,” he said.
El Mala remains under contract with Köln until 2030.