Liverpool take step towards €50m deal after rival withdraws offer
Liverpool's biggest rival for a €50m deal has dropped out of the race by withdrawing their offer.
KSTA reports in Germany that Brighton have withdrawn their offer to Koln for Said El Mala. Koln now hope to hold onto their wonderkid but at the very least, they hope to bag €50m.
Brighton’s offer was for around €35m all-in, with El Mala bagging a much higher wage as a result. Now Koln have met with the player to explain their stance with him.
It’s one that will particularly interest Liverpool. The Reds have been linked with a move for El Mala, too, but it had appeared that Brighton would be frontrunners, given the playing time they could offer.
However, the Seagulls aren’t willing to entertain such a massive fee. Advantage Liverpool, then, who can afford the fee and have an increased need for a new winger with Mo Salah’s impending exit.
Shop the LFC Store
🚨2025/26 LFC x adidas range🚨
El Mala does play on the wrong side to directly replace Salah but he’d offer something the squad has lacked - production from wide. The 19-year-old has 11 Bundesliga goals this season and another four assists.
That’s why Koln feel comfortable setting a record price for their youngster. In doing so, they make it more likely that he ends up a Red.
Said El Mala: Situation Summary
Bundesliga Performance and Stats
As of 27 April 2026, Saïd El Mala is enjoying a standout breakout season at 1. FC Köln. The 19-year-old German attacker has recorded 11 goals and 3 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances, logging 1,802 minutes. He is currently the club's top scorer, maintaining an average FotMob rating of 6.87. His most recent performance in a 2–1 loss to Bayer Leverkusen on 25 April saw him provide an assist and record 10 shots, further cementing his status as one of Germany’s most prolific young talents.
Transfer Saga and Brighton Collapse
El Mala’s future is currently at the centre of a high-stakes transfer battle. Reports from 27 April confirm that a proposed move to Brighton & Hove Albion has collapsed after the Premier League club refused to meet Köln’s €50 million valuation; their final bid of €35 million was rejected. Chelsea and Newcastle United have now emerged as the frontrunners for his signature. While Bayern Munich were previously interested, they have reportedly pivoted their focus toward Newcastle's Anthony Gordon.
International Standing
The 19-year-old is a mainstay in the Germany U21 squad, scoring in a recent 2–0 win over Greece. Given his domestic form, he is tipped for a potential senior call-up ahead of the 2026 World Cup this June.
Related News
Crazy Liverpool transfer talk refuses to go away: They really might sign one-goal striker
