Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United have both made contact with representatives for Cologne forward Said El Mala, according to sources at TEAMtalk. The 19-year-old has emerged as a potential summer target for both Premier League clubs as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
El Mala has impressed in the Bundesliga and with the German national youth setup, attracting attention from clubs beyond England, with interest also reported from Serie A and other Bundesliga sides. Brentford had previously been leading the chase for the player, but they have since withdrawn from negotiations due to complications surrounding additional demands beyond the core transfer fee.
The key sticking point in discussions centres around El Mala’s family representation. His parents, who are actively involved in the transfer process, are requesting that any interested club also consider signing his older brother, Malek El Mala, who currently plays for Cologne. This request for a dual-package deal has proven challenging for clubs, given the differing levels of experience between the two brothers, with Said significantly ahead in his development and Malek yet to make a senior Bundesliga appearance.
Despite these obstacles, sources suggest there is still optimism that a deal for Said El Mala can be finalized before the transfer window closes. Both Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United are reportedly exploring creative solutions to address the family element of the negotiations. The situation underscores the growing influence of family representatives in modern football transfers, where personal considerations often play a significant role alongside professional ambitions.
El Mala currently has a contract offer on the table from Cologne, but is reportedly open to a move to a higher level. He has not actively pushed for a transfer, but is believed to be keen on exploring opportunities that could further his career. Clubs involved in negotiations are proceeding cautiously, recognizing the complexities of the situation and the need for delicate handling to reach a successful agreement. Forest will be looking to add more firepower to their squad following a mid-table finish in the Premier League, while Newcastle will be hoping to build on their recent success and challenge for European qualification.
