Said El Mala set to stay at 1. FC Köln despite transfer offers

Sport director Thomas Kessler confirmed that forward Saïd El Mala will remain with 1. FC Köln for the upcoming season. The 19‑year‑old has a contract running until 2030 and is described as “super happy” at the club. Kessler said El Mala has already turned down concrete offers, including a reported bid from Premier League side Brentford, and dismissed rumors linking him with Borussia Dortmund.

While Kessler expressed confidence in El Mala’s stay, he left the transfer window open until its deadline on 31 August, noting that the club may still need to reinforce the central midfield and attack. The club’s preseason also saw new signings Luka Lochoshvili and Gideon Mensah, while several players have been told they are not in the plans for the season.

Kessler highlighted the positive energy after the first training session and stressed the goal of securing Bundesliga survival before aiming for longer‑term establishment in the league.