Brighton double deal for Said El-Mala and Malek El-Mala back on the table

Brighton plan to revive their pursuit of brothers Said and Malek El-Mala next summer after failed attempts in 2024 and 2025.

Brighton remain interested in signing Cologne brothers Said and Malek El-Mala, with Sky Germany reporting the club could make a renewed effort in summer 2027. The Seagulls attempted to sign both players last summer when the deal reached an advanced stage, but ultimately fell through. Brighton's appeal lay partly in their willingness to keep the brothers together—a priority for their family—and in offering Malek a pathway through the reserve team alongside first-team training.

Said, 20, was Brighton's first Premier League target when they showed interest in December, with owner Tony Bloom personally pushing for a deal. The club leveraged manager Fabian Hurzeler's connections to Cologne. However, Said chose to remain in Germany, where he has since been handed the number 10 jersey. Both brothers are contracted to Cologne until 2031.

Despite competition from Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig—who focused primarily on Said—Brighton continue to monitor both players and believe a deal remains possible next summer.