El Mala’s family have reportedly given the green light to a potential move to Brighton & Hove Albion, but the Seagulls’ offer of €35m plus add-ons falls short of Cologne’s valuation.
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“We have very reliable and close communication with Said and his family. So far we have not received any offers from another club that we should seriously consider. So far, the player himself has also not expressed any desire to enter into talks with other clubs,” Kessler told the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
“The initiative is from 1. FC Köln. Said has a contract with us until 2030,” said Kessler.
Kessler also denied reports that Cologne had set a €50 million asking price for El Mala, stating that the club “has not defined a pain threshold” or a fixed deadline to clarify the player’s future.
“There is no specific date or interval. Of course, it is clear that at the appropriate time we will address the issue.”
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For now, avoiding relegation remains the top priority for both El Mala and Colonia.
“We have been closely supporting Said since the start of the season. He has made it absolutely clear that his focus is currently on his development at FC and momentum at the end of the season. He has clear goals with the club. He also has the full backing and support of his family,” Kessler explained.
Chelsea have also been mentioned as a suitor, while it was recently reported that the player’s family rejected an approach from Newcastle United.