started · updated
Borussia Dortmund pursues Said El Mala with €50m offer
Borussia Dortmund is intensifying its pursuit of 1. FC Köln winger Said El Mala, with reports suggesting a final major offer worth approximately €50 million is being prepared. The 19-year-old player has expressed a desire to join Dortmund, and the club's leadership, including Lars Ricken and Niko Kovac, reportedly supports the move.
Negotiations remain complex as Köln has previously rejected offers, insisting on a fixed transfer fee of at least €50 million. While some reports suggest Dortmund may structure the deal with bonuses to reach that figure, Köln's sporting director Thomas Kessler has maintained a relaxed stance, emphasizing the player's long-term contract and the club's intention to keep him for the upcoming Bundesliga season.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the involvement of German national team coach Jürgen Klopp. While some outlets suggested Klopp was influencing the transfer due to his high regard for El Mala, the DFB has denied these claims, stating that Klopp is not involved in the transfer proceedings.
Entities
1. FC Köln · Borussia Dortmund · Germany national team · Jürgen Klopp · Niko Kovac · Said El Mala · Thomas Kessler