Köln's Kessler addresses Said El Mala transfer speculation
1. FC Köln sporting director Thomas Kessler has addressed the intense transfer speculation surrounding teenage forward Said El Mala, confirming that no formal offers have been received for the 19-year-old. Kessler's comments come amid strong links to Premier League clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea.
Kessler, the club's sporting managing director, directly refuted reports of a concrete offer for the German youth international. "We are in very reliable and close communication with Said and his family," Kessler told Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger. "As of now, we have not received an offer from another club that we would need to seriously consider."
Recent reports had suggested Brighton & Hove Albion had submitted a bid of €35 million plus add-ons for the 19-year-old, an offer that reportedly falls short of Köln's valuation. Kessler, however, firmly denied that the club has set a specific price tag or deadline for a potential move. "The initiative lies with 1. FC Köln. Said is under contract with us until 2030," he stated, adding that the club has "not defined a pain threshold" or a specific price.
Kessler also refuted claims that the club has set a specific asking price, stating they have not defined a specific "pain threshold" or a deadline for sale. He emphasized that the player's current focus is solely on the club's immediate battle. "His full focus is currently on his development at FC and the final spurt of the season. He has clear goals with the club," Kessler explained.
El Mala, a product of Köln's youth academy, has emerged as one of the Bundesliga's most promising young talents this season. His performances for a Köln side fighting relegation have drawn significant attention from abroad, with Chelsea also mentioned as a potential suitor. Kessler confirmed the player's current commitment, stating the young forward has expressed no desire to open talks with other clubs at this time. The club's immediate priority, shared by player and club, is securing the team's top-flight status in the final matches of the season.
