Overview
- Said El Mala told Kicker he will remain at FC Köln in the January window, calling the interest "nice recognition" but stressing his focus on the club.
- The winger has five goals and two assists in 12 Bundesliga appearances this season, including a last-minute equaliser against Werder Bremen.
- Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have been linked, with reports of City scouting and Bayern Munich and Dortmund also monitoring him.
- Reports indicate Köln’s stance is strengthened by a contract running to 2030 and an asking price set above €40 million.
- Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann praised El Mala’s first senior call-up and urged him to secure regular starts, while analyst Andy Brassell suggested United could be a logical future fit.