Borussia Dortmund ends Said El Mala transfer pursuit

Borussia Dortmund has officially withdrawn from negotiations to sign 19-year-old forward Said El Mala from 1. FC Köln. The decision follows a protracted transfer battle characterized by disagreements over payment structures.

Despite multiple bids totaling approximately €55 million including bonuses, Dortmund failed to meet Köln's primary demand for a guaranteed upfront base fee of at least €50 million. While the total package offered would have exceeded Köln's valuation, the club rejected the offers because the fixed portion remained below their threshold.

BVB Sporting Director Lars Ricken confirmed the end of the pursuit, stating, “Said El Mala is not a Borussia Dortmund player and he will not become one this summer either.” He noted that the club will not submit any further offers after recent discussions with Köln officials were unsuccessful.

El Mala, who recorded 13 goals during his breakthrough Bundesliga season, reportedly remains keen on the move, but the stalemate has ended the pursuit. Köln is reportedly considering Marcel Regula of Zaglebie Lubin as a potential replacement.