Nagelsmann Explains El Mala’s Return to U21s as Barcelona and Bayern Monitor Köln Teenager

Overview

• Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said Said El Mala moved from the senior squad to the U21s for positional reasons after Karim Adeyemi’s return covered the flanks.
• Nagelsmann noted El Mala trained well but must become an undisputed starter at Köln and refine areas highlighted by club coach Lukas Kwasniok.
• Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund praised the winger’s pace and progress yet declined to discuss any transfer plans.
• Diario Sport reports Barcelona, with Hansi Flick attentive to his progress, are tracking El Mala for a potential summer move, with Köln’s price around €30 million and Transfermarkt listing €18 million.
• El Mala has four goals and two assists in ten Bundesliga matches after a 14-goal loan at Viktoria Köln, and he recently received his first senior Germany call-up.