Ex-Man United target Said El Mala tipped for move to Premier League rival

Brighton tipped as potential suitors for FC Köln winger Said El Mala, 20, who rejected a £43m Brentford move last summer and remains valued at around £50m.

Said El Mala, the 20-year-old FC Köln winger, continues to attract interest from Europe's top clubs after a strong season in the Bundesliga. The German prospect has scored six goals and provided four assists in ten matches this season, building on an impressive 18 goals and six assists across 46 appearances for Köln. He was also joint-top scorer at the 2025 Under-19 European Championship with four goals.

Brentford made a formal £43m bid for El Mala last summer, but the deal collapsed. Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool were also reported admirers in December. European football journalist Andy Brassell suggested Brighton could reignite their interest in the player, particularly if they qualify for the Champions League next season.

Köln are expected to demand around £50m for El Mala, with that fee potentially rising further given his versatility—he has played as both a winger and central striker this season.

Other clubs in the mix include RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, though Brassell suggested Dortmund may have cooled their interest after previously tapping out at around €50m (£41.7m). Brighton's strong Premier League form—currently second behind Arsenal—could make them an attractive destination if European football beckons.