Overview
- Dortmund confirmed on Friday, August 14, 2026, that it will not submit further offers after 1. FC Köln rejected the club’s latest proposal.
- The deal collapsed over payment structure: Dortmund’s package reportedly had a fixed fee below €50m with long‑term conditional bonuses while Köln demanded a near‑€50m guaranteed sum.
- Reports say El Mala and his camp preferred a move to Dortmund and that personal terms had been discussed, but the clubs never announced a completed contract.
- Köln’s coach René Wagner said he expects El Mala to stay and play for the club, while Dortmund has already advanced other moves such as the loan of Almugera Kabar and is exploring alternative targets.
- El Mala’s July 2025 extension to June 2030 without a release clause strengthened Köln’s position and leaves both clubs adjusting transfer plans and squad building as the season approaches.