According to reputable German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Brighton have made 19-year-old Said El Mala a top target for the upcoming summer window.
I’ve watched a few YouTube montages, so now I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the German. So here is the lowdown on Brighton's latest rumoured transfer target.
Who is he?
Said El Mala is a German under-21 international who is currently plying his trade in Germany's top flight at FC Köln. Whilst the exciting youngster is only 19 years of age, physicality is not an issue, with the winger standing at 6 ft 2 in tall with a large frame. A height that is not exactly a common trait for his position nor for someone of his age.
Prior to his arrival at FC Köln, El Mala was previously playing in the German 3rd division for cross-town rivals Viktoria Köln. The German signed his first professional contract in February 2024 before making his full professional debut for the 3rd division side just 3 days later.
It was the continued impressive performances that first attracted the attention of city rivals FC Köln. Despite a transfer ban, the Bundesliga side quickly signed the winger to a contract in June 2024. Because of the ban, it initially meant that the winger would be unable to play for the top-flight side, so instead Koln loaned the winger to their neighbours for the 24/25 campaign.
El Mala went on to make 32 appearances, scoring 13 times in the process, a very impressive return for any winger but especially for El Mala, considering his young age. As a result of these performances, the German was awarded the “Newcomer of the Year" award at the end of that season. Upon the conclusion of the 24/25 season, Köln's transfer ban had now finished, meaning El Mala was now ready to embark on his career in the German top flight.
Despite his obvious talent, FC Köln decided to employ a slow approach with the winger, gradually integrating the winger into games via the bench. It only took his second appearance, however, for the talented winger to make his mark, scoring his first goal for his new side in a 4 -1 demolition of Freiburg. Still, the German had to wait a few more months before being given his first start. The long-awaited full debut came at Hoffenheim, where Köln were able to record a 1-0 victory with El Mala marking his full debut with the only goal of the game. A dream start and one that got the German public and media talking.
This only led to more fanfare, with pressure in Cologne growing amid calls from fans of the German club to play the winger more regularly from the start. The manager was reluctant with the winger returning to the bench for the next few games before starting again away at Borussia Dortmund. Quite the opportunity. FC Köln competed well but ultimately lost the game 1-0, with El Mala completing 72 minutes.
It’s been a mixed bag for the German in terms of opportunity, with the youngster starting 9 games for the Bundesliga outfit, with a further 13 appearances coming from the bench. Despite the limited time, the German has still notched up an impressive 7 league goals alongside 3 assists. El Mala also made 2 cup appearances in the DFB Pokal, starting once whilst also coming off the bench on a separate occasion.
International pedigree
El Mala has represented Germany at the U18, U19 and U21 levels. His first call-up for the under-18 side came in May 2024, where he played against Denmark, coming on in the 60th minute. The following year, with his reputation growing nationally, the wide man was called into the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 German side, where he scored a late winner, defeating Norway, which meant Germany reached the semi-finals. On the 5th of September 2025, El Mala made his debut for the U21 side in a 2027 U21 European qualifier.
Although the German has yet to make his full international bow, Julian Nagelsmann did include the talented winger in his November squad, which is a clear sign just how highly rated the winger is within Germany. Although it is not expected given the immense talent at Germany’s disposal, it is rumoured that the 19-year-old has an outside shot of making the Germany World Cup squad. Either way, a senior cap will almost certainly be forthcoming in the near future.
Potential cost & other interested parties
As a result of his burgeoning reputation within German circles, it’s no surprise to see the giants Bayern Munich rumoured to be circling. After all, it's not exactly a secret that any talented German is often courted by the famous German outfit. Fellow Premier League side Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in the winger.
But it’s Brighton who have emerged as the potential frontrunner in the race for the German's signature. Just this past January, the seagulls saw a bid in the region of £30 million rebuffed on deadline day. But as per German Florian Pletttenburg's latest update, it is believed that this has not deterred the Albion in their attempt to land the talented winger.
It’s rumoured FC Köln are looking for a club record fee of £40 million to part with their superstar. Despite the lofty fee for a relatively inexperienced player, Brighton are ready to take the plunge largely due to the winger's undoubted potential. Brighton seemingly are prepared to make El Mala a real statement signing. A player they believe is ready to start games for them immediately as well as have the potential to be sold for a monster profit in a few years. A win-win situation that the seagulls have routinely profited from the past few years.
Despite the reported interest from some of football's biggest powerhouses, Brighton believe they can steal a march by offering the young winger genuine starting opportunities in a league that is largely considered to be the best in the world. Whilst Bayern Munich is undoubtedly a major temptation for any German international, the lure of the Premier League, as well as ample game time, could very well sway the German's decision in Brighton's favour.
Style of play
I will once again caveat this by insisting that I am by no means an expert on the German by any stretch of the imagination. I have watched YouTube highlights as well as some games to try and get a feel as to what kind of player Brighton fans could expect should he make the switch in the summer. This is my very brief summation.
El Mala likes to play from the left wing and often cuts inside before shooting or playing the ball inside. His play is very reminiscent of that of a Riyad Mahrez or Arjen Robben type, albeit with the German operating from the opposite wing from the two aforementioned wingers.
El Mala is a lot taller than many of his counterparts and possesses good pace. As alluded to at the beginning of this breakdown, this combination is not common for a winger. I can’t help but opine that despite his age, the German's height and power would give the winger a real advantage in acclimatising to a more physical league, with the adaptation process not being as steep as some previous Albion signings.
Despite the obligatory impressive highlight reel, it must be noted that whilst talented, the winger is still very raw. Whilst he has shown genuine flashes of brilliance, the winger is also still very much a work in progress. His touch and passing can sometimes be lacking, as well as naive decision-making in crucial moments. But given his young age and relative inexperience, it’s hardly surprising.
The latest update on Brightons pursuit
Final thoughts
Whilst it’s impossible to predict the future, I think it’s a safe assumption to say that Said El Sala will enjoy a prosperous career. Whether that career path will contain a stop by the seaside remains to be seen. Despite the window not being officially open, Brighton reportedly hope to get a deal done sooner rather than later. After all, the moves can still be made; just players can’t officially join until July 1st, which is when the registration window traditionally opens.
Given the state of Brighton's current squad and the churn likely required to get Brighton back to challenging for the European spaces, I believe the Seagulls see Saïd El Mala as a key piece in their attempt to revamp the squad in preparation for the 26/27 season. A player that would both provide genuine quality as well as excite an increasingly disillusioned fanbase.
Let’s see if Jayson Ayto can secure his man. It would be a real statement for the newly appointed executive if he could, given the reported opposition in the race for the German's signature.