Borussia Dortmund's €42 m offer for Said El Mala rejected by 1. FC Köln

Borussia Dortmund submitted a transfer proposal for 19‑year‑old striker Said El Mala that comprised a €26 million fixed fee plus bonuses bringing the total to roughly €42 million. 1. FC Köln, which values the player at a minimum of €50 million, rejected the bid, describing it as “significantly below expectations” and expressing irritation at Dortmund’s public interest in the player.

The club’s board confirmed that negotiations were terminated and that El Mala will remain in Köln for the upcoming season. The forward, who recently scored in a pre‑season test match, has indicated a desire to stay in the Bundesliga; he previously turned down a £‑equivalent £50 million offer from Premier League side Brentford. Dortmund’s public monitoring of the player, which breaches an informal rule against clubs commenting on rivals’ targets, further soured relations between the two German clubs.

Overall, the failed deal highlights Köln’s determination to retain a key offensive talent and Dortmund’s limited leverage after missing the player’s price tag.