Liverpool have been cautioned against making a move for 1. FC Koln winger Said El Mala, according to German football journalist Christian Falk. The warning comes as Liverpool search for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Mohamed Salah earlier in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool initially identified RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande as a potential replacement for Salah, however, Diomande reportedly prefers a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain. The club then turned their attention to Bradley Barcola of PSG, but have simultaneously been monitoring El Mala, a 19-year-old Germany Under-21 international.
El Mala enjoyed a productive 2025/26 season with Koln, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. He is primarily a left-winger but demonstrated versatility by playing as a centre-forward and on the right wing for his club. The player is currently under contract with Koln until 2030.
Despite his potential, Falk believes a move to Anfield would be premature for El Mala. Writing on his website, CFBayernInsider, Falk stated that Liverpool represents “a step too high” for the player at this stage of his development, noting that while El Mala possesses quality, it doesn’t yet compare to that of Diomande. He suggests El Mala will eventually play in the Premier League but has doubts about an immediate transfer to Liverpool.
Other Premier League clubs are also showing interest in El Mala. Chelsea were previously linked with a move, with Koln reportedly demanding a fee of €50 million (£43m, $57.2m) for the winger. Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle United have also registered their interest, with sources indicating El Mala is open to a move to England. Tottenham reportedly scouted El Mala throughout last season and are already in discussions with his representatives.
